Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith spent the weekend meeting parties and community groups in an effort to restore power-sharing. If no deal is in place by 13 January, he is likely to call fresh Assembly elections. |
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister has said there was absolutely no need, requirement or justification for an Irish language act in Northern Ireland.He said: "It wants more, more, more. Why?
A deadline of 13 January has been set, after which Mr Smith is expected to call fresh Assembly elections if there is no resolution. There was some talks activity over the weekend, with Mr Smith meeting delegations from the Ulster Unionist Party and Alliance Party at Hillsborough Castle.Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin of Conradh na Gaeilge described the meeting as "productive".
"Let us all take this week to see what is doable, negotiate a balanced set of proposals and get it done instead of grandstanding in the hope of gaining a one-sided victory," he said. The current push is to have all five parties in government, although some Ulster Unionists may have reservations.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Watch moment garda gets dragged under car outside Irish shopping centreWatch moment garda gets dragged under car while trying to stop it at Dublin's Dundrum Shopping Centre
Read more »
Golden Globes: No luck for the Irish (or The Irishman) as 1917 wins surprise top prize1917 claims surprise top prize as The Irishman goes home empty-handed at GoldenGlobes
Read more »
Irish Rail introducing measures to deal with reservations not appearing over pre-booked seatsCustomers have expressed frustration at their reservation name or number not appearing above the seat they have booked.
Read more »