Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has declared the conclusion of discussions regarding the restoration of Stormont’s devolved government.
He stated that “decisions must now be made” and that over £3.3 billion was available for the executive’s return.
Following financial discussions and distinct negotiations concerning the Windsor Framework with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), he delivered his remarks.
A “denial of democracy” was the tánaiste’s assessment of the Stormont abstention by the DUP.
The position of the DUP, led by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, was further described by the Irish deputy prime minister as “disappointing” by Micheál Martin.
Mr. Martin stated that the Irish government is scheduled to meet with Mr. Heaton-Harris this week.
Mr. Heaton-Harris stated at a press conference held at Hillsborough Castle that it was the final offer.
Concurrent with the negotiations has been the expansion of hospital waiting lists and the continuation of strikes by public transport employees, educators, and NHS personnel.
Negatively disappointing
The Honourable Heaton-Harris stated that the financial package is “reasonably and generously” responsive to the Northern Ireland parties’ concerns and includes £584 million to resolve public sector pay issues.
He expressed disappointment to reporters that a new executive would not be operational by Christmas to accept this offer and deliver it to the people of Northern Ireland.
This programme will be available to the new Northern Ireland Executive on day one.
He denied trying to “impose undue pressure on any party or individual.” by raising the money offer.
Although there was “no deadline” for the agreement, Mr. Heaton-Harris stated that he would be in Northern Ireland over the Christmas break to meet with interested parties.
The DUP rejected a pre-Christmas agreement to restore Stormont on Monday.
Since twenty-two months ago, the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland has boycotted Stormont. They did so in opposition to post-Brexit trade arrangements.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson stated that “a foundation to deliver the financial stability Northern Ireland requires” had not yet been established.
He was “certain” that the government and he had not struck a Windsor Framework post-Brexit agreement.
Mr. Heaton-Harris declared the discussions to have concluded, but Sir Jeffrey insisted he had not been informed of this.
How has the political community reacted?
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described the DUP’s failure to restore Stormont as “extremely regrettable.” She also referred to it as “bitterly disappointing” for the general public.
“Work is completed. “A decision regarding the recall of the Assembly must be made,” she continued.
Naomi Long, the leader of the Alliance Party, described Tuesday morning’s meeting with Mr. Heaton-Harris as “productive.” She also referred to the new financial arrangement as “significantly improved.”
Mrs. Long further stated that the ball was “very firmly in the DUP’s court” now that the Northern Ireland secretary had declared the Windsor Framework negotiations to have concluded.
Doug Beattie, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, described the government’s £3.3 billion offer as a “good financial package.” He stated that “the DUP must now make a decision.”
He added that public sector wage agreements “should be extracted from this process” and finalised before the holidays.
Calls for Devolution Amidst Concerns and Criticisms
Colum Eastwood, leader of the SDLP, stated that the time has come for political parties to reach an accord to reinstate devolution to address concerns such as public sector compensation and services.
He stated that individuals are concerned about their wages, family members who are still awaiting hospital treatment. And the impending collapse of public services on which we all depend.
Micheál Martin, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Ireland, described it as a “denial of democracy” because “eighteen months have passed since the election” and that the civil service is now facing financial challenges in areas such as education and healthcare.
As for whether it will happen in the first or second week of January, he said the situation is dire.
Jim Allister, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), has demanded the release of the agreement’s specifics between the DUP and the government regarding the Windsor Framework.
