DUP Executive Endorses Deal to Restore Devolution at Stormont
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland has endorsed a deal to return to power-sharing government after nearly two years of boycott. The leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, stated that the deal is subject to new legislation being passed in parliament and final agreement on a timetable. However, there was criticism from some within the party who opposed the deal during an executive meeting. The specific details of the deal have not yet been published, but Sir Jeffrey expressed confidence in the progress made.
DUP's Endorsement of the Deal
The main Unionist party in Northern Ireland, the DUP, has endorsed a deal to return to power-sharing government, according to its leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. The deal is subject to new legislation being passed in parliament and final agreement on a timetable. The party has boycotted government at Stormont for almost two years.
Some members within the party expressed opposition to the deal during an executive meeting. The DUP had collapsed the Northern Irish Assembly in protest against post-Brexit trade arrangements. However, Sir Jeffrey stated that the legislation agreed with Westminster would remove checks on goods moving within the UK and remaining in Northern Ireland, as well as end Northern Ireland's blind following of EU laws.
Sir Jeffrey also emphasized that there will be legislation protecting the Acts of Union, which ensures unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses to the rest of the UK. These measures are considered "legislative commitments" regardless of the next UK government.
Meeting Challenges and Controversies
The executive meeting where the endorsement took place lasted over five hours and faced security issues. Protesters confronted senior DUP members outside the meeting venue, accusing them of being "sell-outs". The meeting was live-tweeted by loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson, who alleged that it was characterized by arguments and chaotic scenes. Despite the controversies, Sir Jeffrey described the vote as decisive and stated that he was mandated to act based on it.
Although the specific details of the deal have not been made public, Sir Jeffrey expressed confidence in the progress achieved so far. He believed that the UK government could swiftly bring forward legislation to implement the agreed-upon measures. Addressing posts made by Jamie Bryson on Twitter, Sir Jeffrey stated that they did not accurately represent what happened in the meeting and expressed disappointment that someone had leaked information from the private gathering.
Reactions and Future Steps
Chris Heaton-Harris, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, welcomed the DUP's endorsement, considering it a significant step. He expressed gratitude to Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and colleagues for their constructive dialogue, as well as to the other political parties in Northern Ireland for their patience. He confirmed that the UK government would adhere to the binding commitments between the Democratic Unionist Party and itself.
The leader of the largest party in the recent election, Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald, expressed optimism and stressed the importance of political stability to address the crisis in public services. Sir Jeffrey also assured trade unions that pay awards for public sector workers would be prioritized. However, Davy Thompson of the Unite union stated that there was not enough information to call off strike action, as government formation in Northern Ireland remained uncertain.
Meanwhile, leaders such as Jim Allister, Baroness Kate Hoey, Ben Habib, and Jamie Bryson jointly opposed any deal and published a paper expressing their opposition. Jim Allister considered the DUP's endorsement a betrayal of their own pledges. The details of the deal are expected to be finalized in discussions between the political parties involved.
