Sir Geoffrey Donaldson said the deal would allow the DUP to reform the executive. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
The Democratic Unionist Party leader has agreed to a deal to return to power-sharing at Stormont, the party leader said.
Sir Geoffrey Donaldson announced on Monday evening that the agreement would allow the DUP to form an executive in the North Ireland, where the party has boycotted parliament for almost two years.
He added that the deal would be conditional on new legislation being passed in parliament and an agreement on its timetable.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton Harris welcomed the move and signaled the government would keep its end of the deal.
The announcement came after a 130-strong party leadership meeting in Co Down lasted more than five hours.
The DUP leader said the vote on the deal was “crucial” but he faced criticism. from party members, some of whom spoke out against the deal at the meeting.
“We can only move forward once the government has faithfully met its legal and other obligations,” Sir Geoffrey said. journalists at a press conference after 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
“Both our party officials and the party leader have instructed me to move forward… based on the proposals put forward by the government, on the condition and on the basis that the government implements the measures of this package.”
Obligations exceeded. Brexit
The DUP terminated the Northern Ireland chief executive's job almost two years ago in protest at trade deals in the Brexit deal.
The party also called on Rishi Sunak to make changes to the Windsor Framework, which was formally adopted by the UK and the European Union in March last year.
Unionists criticized the deal and some party members spoke out against it at the meeting. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Sir Geoffrey said the “legislative commitments” agreed with Westminster would “remove checks on goods moving within the UK and remaining in Northern Ireland and end blind adherence to EU law.”
He added: “Legislation will be introduced to protect the Acts of Union, ensuring that Northern Ireland businesses have unhindered access to the rest of the UK.”
He responded to reports within the caucus that party members had expressed feelings “betrayal” regarding the deal.
Responding to loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson who was live tweeting allegations coming from an executive meeting. , Sir Geoffrey insisted that the reports did not reflect what happened in the room and called it a “misinterpretation.”
“What disappoints me is that there may have been someone at this meeting who was willing to share information,” he said.
“No one at our meeting tonight, at any stage or at meetings of my party officials, ever used the word 'betrayal,' but tonight it was used to describe a person who leaked information from a private meeting.”
About 50 loyalist and unionist protesters gathered outside Monday night's rally on the Larchfield estate in Co Down, many carrying placards and banners warning of a DUP “sellout.”
Some shouted at DUP members as they drove into building. grounds of the venue.
“Welcome and a significant step”
Sir Geoffrey added that he was “confident” of the progress made at the meeting and said he believed the Government could “quickly” take the necessary laws.
Sir Geoffrey Donaldson leaves a five-hour meeting in Co Down on Monday evening. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou MacDonald has expressed optimism that Stormont can return before the next legislative deadline for forming an administration on February 8.
“Sinn Féin will now engage with the parties and both governments to ensure that we all now get to work immediately,” Ms McDonald said.
“It is vital that there is political stability to cope with a massive crisis in our public services.”
“Let us now turn our attention to the work and solutions needed to support the workers and families who want and deserve functioning government.”
Mr Heaton-Harris said: “This is a welcome and significant step.”
“I am grateful to Sir Geoffrey Donaldson and his colleagues for their constructive dialogue over recent months, and to the other political parties in Northern Ireland for their patience. they have shown during this time.
“I am pleased that the DUP has agreed to accept the UK Government's package of measures and as a result they are prepared to return to the Northern Irish Assembly and appoint representatives to the Northern Ireland Executive.
“Sir Geoffrey Donaldson said that this was subject to binding commitments between the Democratic Unionist Party and the UK Government. I can confirm that we will adhere to this agreement.
“I now believe that all conditions have been created for the return of the Assembly, the parties having the right to form the executive branch will meet tomorrow to discuss these issues, and I hope that I can complete this deal. with political parties as soon as possible.”
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