No more delays to Assembly elections, officials insist BreakingNews.ie_8224

[11pm]

The British government refused today to consider any further delays in the Northern Ireland Assembly elections.
Even though Britain's Prime Minister, Tony Blair, announced the poll has been put back four weeks to May 29 in an attempt to break the political deadlock and restore devolution, British officials indicated this was the bottom line.
One source said: “We will work on the legislation necessary for the new election date, but we would not want to go beyond that.”
Pressure was today intensifying for the IRA to make the huge move on disarmament now needed to rescue the peace process.
After a marathon two-day talks session at Hillsborough Castle,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, Co Down,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Blair have yet to close a deal with all sides in Belfast.
The two premiers now plan to return with their blueprint next month and tell the parties: take it or leave it.
It is understood broad agreement has been reached on plans for a major scaling down of troop levels in Northern Ireland, as well as reforms to policing and the criminal justice system.
But David Trimble’s Ulster Unionists are demanding the IRA destroy their huge arsenal of guns and bomb-making equipment before they will agree to return to the Stormont power-sharing Executive which was suspended last October amid allegations of a republican espionage plot.
Sinn Fein has also resisted pressure for tough sanctions to be installed which could see the party expelled from the Assembly if the Provisionals continue military operations.
Republicans claim the plan is an attempt to humiliate them.
Dublin and London remain hopeful that the political impasse can be overcome, with British government sources today insisting most of the difficulties were hammered out during 30 hours of talks.
“The (British) Prime Minister sees this as a breakthrough and it will turn out to be one if all the signs are fulfilled,” one said.
“It’s just up to the parties to consult.”
Ulster Unionists were today waiting for the IRA decommissioning move they stress must now take place.
“Sinn Fein have a very clear understanding of what’s needed and we just have to sit tight,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login,” a party source said.
“There’s very little we can do until we see the colour of their money.
“It’s not exactly a luxurious position we are in, but any response from us and a deal being settled in April now hinges on two issues: weapons and sanctions.
“The pendulum has started to swing back in our direction.”
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No more delays to Assembly elections,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, officials insist You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login