I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 105, 130, 133 and 145 together.
The elections in Northern Ireland on 7 March took place for the explicit purpose of endorsing the St. Andrews Agreement and of electing an Assembly which would form a power-sharing Executive on 26 March in accordance with that Agreement. The outcome of the elections constituted a strong and clear endorsement of the St Andrews Agreement, and of those working for restoration of the power-sharing institutions. The next step to fulfil that mandate is the restoration of the Assembly and the Executive within the timeframe set out at St Andrews, i.e. by Monday, 26 March.
Both Governments are resolutely committed to making that happen. When I met with Secretary of State, Peter Hain at Hillsborough last week, we welcomed the outcome of the elections and reviewed progress in implementing the St Andrews Agreement, including on the question of financial support for a newly restored Executive. We also discussed the new British Irish partnership arrangements which have been prepared to ensure the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement to the fullest extent possible, in the event the parties fail to agree to share power by 26 March.
The new partnership arrangements have been prepared in the event they are required. Should that be the case, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister will meet shortly after 26 March to set out the new arrangements. However, we have made clear on many occasions that this is not our preferred outcome.
After four years of suspension, the people of Northern Ireland are entitled to see devolved government restored and their elected representatives working on their behalf in a restored Assembly and shared Executive. When they voted on 7 March, the people themselves made it resoundingly clear that this is what they want. The time for political prevarication is over.
The Transitional Assembly resumed its work on practical preparation for government following the elections. As preparations come to a conclusion we will continue, together with the British Government, to work intensively with the parties so that the Assembly and Executive can be restored on 26 March. We look forward thereafter to working in a spirit of partnership and genuine friendship with the new Executive, for the benefit of all of the people on this island.