Robinson and McGuinness to talk this Week

Peter Robinson (right), the First Minister of the Northern power-sharing government, and his deputy Martin McGuinness (below left) are to hold face-to-face talks this week.

The move is an attempt to break the deadlock which has prevented the power-sharing Executive from meeting for more than three months. The political impasse centres on Sinn Féin demands for policing and justice powers to be devolved, while the DUP still oppose the move at this time.

DUP leader Peter Robinson said it was vital an executive meeting, planned for Thursday, did go ahead. If it does not, it could result in the cancellation of a North-South ministerial council meeting on Friday.

Meanwhile Martin McGuinness (Sinn Féin) accused the DUP of failing to show true partnership in government and he said they had to live up to their obligations under the St. Andrews Agreement (of 2006).

Relations between the two main parties in the North have become so bad that they could not even agree to issue a joint message of congratulation to the Tyrone senior team on winning the All-Ireland Football Championship and the coveted Sam Maguire Cup. (see my entry from September 21st) Sinn Féin says that the DUP vetoed the sending of a message.

It is no secret that Unionist dislike Gaelic Football and all Gaelic sports administered by the GAA, as they see them as 'nationalist Irish' sports. They themselves are more supporters of Soccer and Rugby.

Let us hope the three months of silence between the Northern government partners will soon be over and constructive policies, guided by common sense, will prevail. Anything else would be extremely foolish and not help anyone. It would not even score political points.

The Emerald Islander