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Speak to smaller parties about restoring Stormont says peace activist

Peace campaigner Mairead Maguire. Picture by Mal McCann
Peace campaigner Mairead Maguire. Picture by Mal McCann Peace campaigner Mairead Maguire. Picture by Mal McCann

A NOBEL peace laureate has said the British and Irish governments should hold talks with smaller Stormont parties on restoring devolution if the DUP and Sinn Féin cannot reach an agreement.

The DUP and Sinn Féin parties remain at odds over issues including an Irish language act.

Mairead Maguire, co-founder of Peace People, said, with important decisions on Brexit looming, politicians should also "work for a full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the healing and reconciliation of our society".

"If the two parties are not able to reconcile their differences, then it is the responsibility of the British and Irish governments to hold talks with remaining parties willing to govern in Northern Ireland," she said.

Mrs Maguire urged older generations to insist on "the participation and cooperation of elected representatives".

"My generation has a responsibility to not restrain the youth by our bigotry and division.

"It is time to put aside egos, individual and collective, for the sake of the youth."