Paul Connaughton
Question:10 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the prospect of political progress in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the upcoming elections in Northern Ireland. [26822/03]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
Willie Penrose
Question:13 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the prospects for political progress in Northern Ireland when the Assembly elections are over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26718/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 13 together.
The forthcoming Assembly elections, which will take place on Wednesday 26 November, will give the people of Northern Ireland the opportunity to pass their democratic verdict on those who have represented them over the last five years. The elections will also allow them to mandate new representatives to take forward the important work of providing good, accountable government in Northern Ireland. I have every confidence that those elected will exercise their mandates constructively and responsibly, mindful of the need to develop and build on the indisputable progress that has been made since the Good Friday Agreement.
I regret that these elections are not taking place in the optimum context that both Governments had hoped for. While substantial progress was made in recent months, it did not prove possible for the relevant parties to reach an agreed basis for the operation of sustainable institutions after the elections. However, I can assure the House that the formation of a sustainable executive, based on cross-community support, will be the first priority of the two Governments after the elections, and we will work closely with the parties to achieve that outcome.
As provided for in the validation, implementation and review section of the Agreement, a review conference is due to be convened by the two Governments in December 2003, four years after the Agreement came into effect in December 1999. This conference is required to review and report on the operation of the Agreement. As both Governments emphasised in the Joint Declaration, the review will provide an opportunity for the consideration of a number of issues which have arisen in the course of the implementation of the Agreement. The Joint Declaration also indicated that the Governments would, in consultation with the parties, put forward proposals for the agenda and conduct of the review.
The two Governments are clear in their view that this exercise will be a review of the operation of the Agreement. It will not involve any re-negotiation of its fundamental values, principles or protections.