Brendan Smith
Question:107 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the scheduling of elections at the end of May 2003 to the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10105/03]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Assembly Elections.
As the Deputy will be aware, after the talks at Hillsborough which took place on 3 and 4 March last, the British Government took steps to reschedule the Assembly elections to 29 May 2003. The decision to reschedule the elections was taken to allow the parties more time to reflect and consult on the contents of the shared understanding which emerged from those talks. The British Government has since passed the necessary legislation at Westminster to facilitate the holding of elections on that date.
It is my expectation that the elections will now take place on 29 May as scheduled. I hope that, on the polling day, the electorate will have before them the prospect of sustainable political institutions that can deliver good and stable government.