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20/01/2010
Unionists' Secret Tory Talks Revealed
Senior members of the North's two main unionist parties, the DUP and UUP have held private talks - facilitated by the Conservative Party - in London at the weekend.
It has been revealed that troubled party leader Peter Robinson led a delegation of Democratic Unionists into the secret discussions, which Tory sources said were designed to "promote greater political stability".
Claims the meeting centred on agreeing Westminster voting arrangements in the event of a hung parliament at the General Election have been flatly denied.
Meanwhile, the UUP's sole MP Lady Hermon has sought clarification on the content of a special meeting of the party executive this weekend.
Party leader Sir Reg Empey is expected to provide an update on the latest political developments at Stormont, and outline decisions regarding the UUP-Tory electoral pact.
Lady Hermon, a vocal opponent of the link-up, hinted that she would attend the meeting, given that no definite candidate has been selected to stand in her North Down constituency.
Earlier this week, Lady Hermon quashed reports she was being lined-up as Northern Ireland's first justice minister.
Sinn Féin and the DUP are continuing to thrash out an agreement for devolving policing and judiciary powers to the local Assembly.
Talks intensified late last week, yesterday talks of a set back were dismissed.
It is believed Sinn Féin issued the DUP with an ultimatum, however Executive Minister Edwin Poots said a deal was still possible.
"I don't think there is any particular wobble in the process," he said.
"Where we are at this point is that we are narrowing down issues, and those issues of concern will have to be resolved.
"Ultimately we are working our way towards that."
(PR/BMcC)
It has been revealed that troubled party leader Peter Robinson led a delegation of Democratic Unionists into the secret discussions, which Tory sources said were designed to "promote greater political stability".
Claims the meeting centred on agreeing Westminster voting arrangements in the event of a hung parliament at the General Election have been flatly denied.
Meanwhile, the UUP's sole MP Lady Hermon has sought clarification on the content of a special meeting of the party executive this weekend.
Party leader Sir Reg Empey is expected to provide an update on the latest political developments at Stormont, and outline decisions regarding the UUP-Tory electoral pact.
Lady Hermon, a vocal opponent of the link-up, hinted that she would attend the meeting, given that no definite candidate has been selected to stand in her North Down constituency.
Earlier this week, Lady Hermon quashed reports she was being lined-up as Northern Ireland's first justice minister.
Sinn Féin and the DUP are continuing to thrash out an agreement for devolving policing and judiciary powers to the local Assembly.
Talks intensified late last week, yesterday talks of a set back were dismissed.
It is believed Sinn Féin issued the DUP with an ultimatum, however Executive Minister Edwin Poots said a deal was still possible.
"I don't think there is any particular wobble in the process," he said.
"Where we are at this point is that we are narrowing down issues, and those issues of concern will have to be resolved.
"Ultimately we are working our way towards that."
(PR/BMcC)
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Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
