NI parties urged to seize opportunity

Northern Ireland's political parties must not miss an "opportunity of historic proportions" to resume power-sharing, the Irish and British governments said today.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair and said the results of Wednesday's elections had showed a "clear" message that the people wanted a return to devolved government.

In a joint statement, they said: "The message of the electorate is clear: after so many years of frustration and disappointment, they want Northern Ireland to move on to build a better future together through the devolved institutions.

Prime Minister Tony Blair addresses a joint news conference with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Brussels this morning

"Restoration of the devolved institutions represents an opportunity of historic proportions. It must not be missed".

"We urge the parties to take on this challenge and to set Northern Ireland on a steady course for the future. We will work closely with the parties in the coming period as the final steps are taken for restoration on March 26th.

"Much good work has already been done in preparation for restored government. We look forward to this work continuing.

"As two Governments, we stand committed to working in a spirit of partnership and genuine friendship with the new Executive.

"The people of Northern Ireland have suffered grievous pain and loss. But enormous progress has been made and there is now no good reason why we should not be able to complete this historic process.

"All must now take responsibility in government for building and consolidating peace. This is what the people of Northern Ireland want. They deserve no less."

Speaking alongside Mr Blair at the EU Council meeting in Brussels, Mr Ahern welcomed the election result. He said it was the "first time Northern Ireland's been able to have that kind of election on the kind of issues the PM and I deal with every day".

"It's a really good achievement and I'm glad that it's happened," he added.

Mr Blair said the result was a mandate for "genuine power-sharing" to be restored. He said voters on the doorsteps had clearly been focused on the "bread and butter issues", such as water charges, health, education and the economy.

Questioned on whether the March 26th deadline for striking a devolution deal was final, Mr Blair responded: "The date's there and the reason it was called is so people would go into government." He added: "People want to see elected politicians deliver on issues that matter to Northern Ireland."

Earlier today, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said the election result prove the public of Northern Ireland wants the restoration of devolved government at Stormont. "It's a very clear message, the anti-power sharing parties were roundly defeated," he said this morning. "People voted overwhelmingly for power-sharing and now they want the politicians to get on with it," Mr Hain told RTÉ's Morning Ireland.

He repeated Britain's threat to impose indefinite direct rule if the parties did not reach a deal by March 26th.

Minister for Foreign Dermot Ahern called on the DUP to make a "giant leap" by entering a power-sharing administration with Sinn Féin.

"We have taken giant leaps in the past, now we must have a giant leap by the DUP particularly to go into government with nationalists," Mr Ahern said in Brussels. Dermot Ahern and Mr Hain are due to hold talks next Monday.

With 72 of 108 seats decided from Wednesday's election, the clear victors were the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin. The DUP won 25 seats and Sinn Féin 24 seats. Four other parties won 23 seats between them.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said yesterday he is ready for agreement. "The people have spoken and they have said 'get on with it' and that's what Ian Paisley has to do," Mr Adams said.

The Rev Ian Paisley has left the door open to power-sharing but emphasises he must first be convinced of Sinn Féin's commitment to peace. "Let them foreswear their violence, let them turn a new leaf," said Dr Paisley.

Additional reporting: PA/Reuters