Political Agenda – Claire Hanna MP

Claire Hanna, the MP for South Belfast, is described as the SDLP’s “strongest asset”. Hanna, who self-describes herself as grounded in the “concept of working in the common ground”, is attempting to usher Northern Ireland away from the “the political toxicity” Brexit has created in the country. In this week’s edition of the Political Agenda, […]

Parliament to approve devolution on May 8th

Parliament will today rush through legislation in order to delay devolution to Northern Ireland ahead of a power-sharing executive on May 8th. MPs from across the House of Commons have agreed to set aside normal business and pledged their support for the bill. Leader of the house Jack Straw declared the Commons “will not adjourn […]

Paisley and Adams agree date in historic meeting

The DUP and Sinn Fein have agreed to form a power-sharing executive to govern Northern Ireland from May 8th. In an historic occasion, DUP leader Ian Paisley revoked his long-standing policy of not talking to Sinn Fein to meet for the first time with republican leader Gerry Adams. The two leaders agreed on a timetable […]

‘Modest progress’ to devolution as Brown unveils funds

The Northern Ireland assembly will receive an additional £1 billion of investment, providing it can agree on a power sharing agreement by midnight on Monday. Gordon Brown met with Northern Ireland leaders today to outline the additional funding the assembly can expect from London and Dublin. Aside from the £35 billion already pledged to the […]

Blair to meet with Northern Ireland leaders

The prime minister Tony Blair will today meet with Dr Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams to discuss the restoration of a power sharing government in Northern Ireland in 12 days time. Having emerged as the dominant parties in the assembly election, the DUP and Sinn Fein have until March 26th to agree on a power […]

DUP and Sinn Fein tighten grip on NI assembly

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein have consolidated their hold on the Northern Ireland assembly. The DUP secured 36 of the 108 assembly seats and Sinn Fein gained 28 representatives. The DUP increased their share of the vote by over four per cent and Sinn Fein by over two per cent. The results […]