Minister Charlie Flanagan (left) and North Secretary of State, James Brokenshire, in Dublin last month. RollingNews.ie photo.
By Irish Echo Staff
The deadline for the formation of a new Northern Ireland Executive passed earlier today with no agreement between the parties.
Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan was quick with his response to the failure.
“Despite three weeks of intensive engagement, in which I and my officials have actively participated, I deeply regret that it has not proven possible for the political parties in Northern Ireland to reach agreement on the establishment of a power-sharing Executive,” said Flanagan.
“I have had further discussions today with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, and I understand that he will make a full statement on the matter in Westminster tomorrow (Tuesday).
“I am extremely disappointed by these developments,” added Flanagan
"I emphasize that the Good Friday Agreement remains the agreed template for the political process in Northern Ireland.
“The Irish government is fully committed to ensuring that its principles and provisions are fully respected. In this regard, we will be consulting very closely with the British government in the days and weeks ahead and I will remain in close touch with the Secretary of State.”
Flanagan said it was “particularly concerning” that a vacuum in devolved government in Northern Ireland should now be occurring just as the island of Ireland faced up to the many serious challenges represented by the UK exit from the EU.
“In these circumstances,” he said, “all concerned must redouble efforts to achieve the re-establishment of power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, which is so plainly in the interests of all its citizens.”
Continued Flanagan: "The Irish government will continue to advocate very strongly for Northern Ireland's interests to be protected. However, there is no substitute for an Executive speaking with one voice on these critical issues.
"During the course of the last three weeks some encouraging progress was made on a number of issues, not least on the question of dealing with the painful legacy of the past.
“I am very conscious that victims and survivors are long overdue some evidence of delivery on these matters. Both governments must now reflect on how, in the current political context, we best advance the implementation of the legacy framework envisaged under the Stormont House Agreement.
"19 years ago, the Good Friday Agreement was achieved after great commitment, courage and compromise.
“As we approach Easter, all of those involved in the recent talks must pause to reflect on what needs to be done so that the current impasse can be resolved at the earliest possible opportunity.
“I firmly believe that the Northern Ireland parties want to see the devolved institutions back up and running. The only route to that goal is through continued respectful dialogue that recognizes the need for both honoring previous commitments and for honorable compromise.
"The Irish government remains steadfast in its commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to protecting and advancing the peace and prosperity of the people of this island. We will continue to work with the Northern Ireland parties and to engage with the British Government to secure those objectives.”
The British government had warned that failure for the parties to reach an agreement by today would lead to the triggering of new elections.
The British had also moved to distance themselves from suggestions by Taoiseach Enda Kenny – made during his St. Patrick’s week visit to the U.S. – that he and Prime Minister Theresa May had an agreement that direct rule from London would not be an option.
Now it might be.
Sinn Féin’s northern leader, Michelle O’Neill, previously stated that the British government had to deliver on unfinished business.
“Sinn Féin had entered these implementation talks in good faith and will continue to honor our responsibilities and agreement. We will continue to represent all within the community based on respect and equality,” said O’Neill.
“There is a rightful expectation that the Irish government will assert itself as a co-equal guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, and ensure that full implementation is now delivered.
“I want to make clear that now is the time to deliver on the unfinished business and chart a course for the future based on equality, respect and integrity.”
The failure to meet the deadline comes just two days before the UK triggers the process that will lead to its departure from the European Union, a move which the majority of voters in the North rejected in the June, 2016 referendum.
Sinn Féin has called for Northern Ireland to be granted special status within the EU post Brexit.
