Politics

US government urges quick return to power-sharing

James Brokenshire said dialogue between the north's parties should continue up to polling day. Picture by PA Wire
James Brokenshire said dialogue between the north's parties should continue up to polling day. Picture by PA Wire James Brokenshire said dialogue between the north's parties should continue up to polling day. Picture by PA Wire

THE US government has urged a quick resumption of power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

There are fears a divisive election campaign will make a rapprochement even less likely, raising the spectre of a return to direct rule if a new administration cannot be formed within the required three weeks after the March 2 poll.

The US statement said: "The United States remains committed to supporting a more peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland.

"To this end, we urge all political parties to focus on quickly finding a way forward to the resumption of stable devolved governance.

"We also encourage civil society leaders to continue their vital work building a better, shared future.

"Restored devolved democratic institutions and an engaged, constructive citizenry can best take Northern Ireland forward."

DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds claimed in the House of Commons yesterday that Sinn Féin triggered an election to secure concessions from the British government, including on legacy issues.

The North Belfast MP said his party would not "bow down and give in to Sinn Féin's unreasonable demands".

Secretary of state James Brokenshire said he recognised there were "strongly held views on all sides".

He repeated his assertion that he is only considering the restoration of devolution following the election and urged parties to conduct the campaign with respect and in a way that does "not simply exacerbate tensions and division".

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams told the Dáil last night that "there must be a step change in the behaviour and attitude of the DUP to their partners in government and to the working of the institutions".

"We also need to see a step change in the approach of the Irish and British governments," he said.

“The re-establishment of the political institutions will be dependent upon whether they will reflect in their entirety the principles and ethos set out in the Good Friday Agreement."