Charlie O'Connor
Question:292 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he supports the view that the postponed Assembly election in Northern Ireland should now take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15254/03]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:293 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent Drumcondra talks with the Sinn Féin leadership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15255/03]
Seán Haughey
Question:295 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position on the decision by the British Prime Minister to postpone the Northern Ireland Assembly elections; the role of the Government in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15359/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 292, 293 and 295 together.
The Government's position on the holding of the Assembly elections is clear. We believe that they should be held at the earliest opportunity and, regardless of any other considerations, in the autumn at the latest. The Government disagreed with the decision by the British Government to postpone the elections which were due to have taken place on 29 May. Our view was clearly communicated to the British Government in advance of postponement and was frankly reflected in the Taoiseach's statement of 1 May.
The Taoiseach and I met representatives of the Sinn Féin leadership on Saturday 24 May to dis cuss the current political situation and the need to maintain political momentum. Our discussions were mainly focused on the steps necessary for the creation of a positive context in which elections should take place at the earliest opportunity. I also took the opportunity to meet the Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams, during my visit to Belfast on 6 June.
The Government, in continuing partnership with the British Government, remains fully committed to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, which is our template for future progress in Northern Ireland. In this regard, both Governments are committed to the implementation of those aspects of the joint declaration, published on 1 May, which are not linked to acts of completion by other parties or groups.