Brendan Smith
Ceist:198 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the scheduling of Northern Ireland Assembly elections in May; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6573/03]
Written Answers - Northern Ireland Assembly Elections.
The Northern Ireland Assembly elections scheduled to take place on 1 May have been put back until 29 May following the intensive discussions in Hillsborough over the past two days.
As both the Taoiseach and UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, indicated at their joint press conference, the additional few weeks will provide the parties with the time and space to consult and consider the shared understanding of both Governments on how best the process is advanced.