Draft deal published by governments - now up to the parties to decide on devolution

Q Radio News

The British and Irish governments have tabled a draft document to restore devolved government here, exactly three years after it collapsed. 

The agreement was announced at a press conference at Stormont on Thursday evening and has been published in full.

The deal, entitled New Decade New Approach, contains proposals on issues including the Irish language.

If agreed by the main political parties the Assembly could reconvene on Friday. 

Secretary of State Julian Smith said he believes "there is something in this new deal for everyone".

He continued: "Earlier tonight, I spoke to the UK prime minister, Boris Johnson and he and I agreed that the document that we have published here tonight - the result of many months of hard work by the the two governments - represents a fair and balanced deal for all the citizens of Northern Ireland."
 

🎥 @JulianSmithUK has asked the Stormont Speaker to recall the Northern Ireland Assembly on Friday in the hope of restoring devolution. SoS & @simoncoveney urge parties to accept draft deal drawn by British & Irish governments... pic.twitter.com/9FzcHw6gE4

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 9, 2020

Tánaiste Simon Coveney said: "We have worked tirelessly through some extremely complicated issues."

He urged "all political leaders and their teams to grab this opportunity and get back to work" and he said the deal is "filled with compromises" which are fair and in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland.

Endorsing the deal, he added: "The past three years have been difficult... we need to move on."
 

🎥 Poignant moment on a dramatic night at Stormont as @simoncoveney recalls how the murder of Lyra McKee brought parties back to the talks table. Quotes Lyra on the “beautiful tragedy” of NI and says it’s time politicians “stepped up and fully represented“ the people here ... pic.twitter.com/qKVYkDP0fY

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 9, 2020

The political parties have been giving their reaction:

DUP - 

Just in. @duponline @DUPleader statement on proposed devolution deal: “Our Party Officers, Assembly & Parliamentary representatives considered the paper on Thursday...we believe there is a basis upon which the Assembly and Executive can re-established in a fair & balanced way...” pic.twitter.com/9bLn0ZyTcn

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 9, 2020

Sinn Fein - 

@sinnfeinireland on devolution deal: Leader Mary Lou McDonald:
"The governments have chosen to publish this text which we have received in the last hour. We are studying the text & will give it careful consideration...Ard Chomhairle will meet tomorrow to fully assess it."

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 9, 2020

Ulster Unionist Party - 

Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA said:

“The Ulster Unionist Party has been given sight of the text of the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ deal. We will consider this complex and far reaching document carefully and consult widely within our party before making any further comments. 

“If the Assembly is recalled on Friday, the Ulster Unionist Party MLAs will attend and consider the business put before them.

“The Ulster Unionist Party is committed to a return of devolution that is fair and sustainable.” 

The draft devolution deal in full👇 https://t.co/ZO5UKsXFDO

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 9, 2020