Michelle O’Neill
By Anthony Neeson
While Northern Ireland politics took a pause to consider the legacy of former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, politics itself did not take a break and now the parties are facing face into the final days of talks aimed at restoring a power sharing government at Stormont.
Prior to Mr. McGuinness’ passing, Sinn Féin’s northern leader, Michelle O’Neill, said that the British government must deliver on unfinished business.
With London warning that failure for the parties to reach an agreement by Monday, March 27, would lead to the triggering of new elections, the British have 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.
With Sinn Féin insisting that previous agreements on legacy issues, as well as an Irish Language Act being implemented as a result of any new deal, it would appear that progress has been slow – if any at all has been made –between the republican party and both the DUP and the British government.
“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.”
While Sinn Féin has been frustrated by the Irish government’s role in the talks, unionists have reacted to the Taoiseach’s comments on his agreement with Theresa May.
Traditional Unionist Voice MLA Jim Allister, in typical fashion, urged the Irish government to “mind its own business.”
“As her majesty’s government rightly observed, the stability of Northern Ireland is a UK responsibility,” he added.
DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson said: “We’ve had no indication from the government at Westminster that they’ve agreed that line with Dublin.
“So I think that Enda was pushing the boat out a little on that one.”
Meanwhile, the British government has confirmed that it will start the process of leaving the European Union on Wednesday, March 29, with all the implications that the move will have for Ireland, north and south.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said the Irish government must now act.
“The taoiseach has previously expressed impatience over the lack of clarity from Britain on Brexit,” he said.
“He now knows the date on which Article 50 will be triggered. The clock is ticking, so he needs to act accordingly and stand up for our national interests across the island, at European level, to secure special designated status for the North within the EU.”
