The Northern Office has confirmed that the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister are considering a proposal for a six-month transitional period for the North's new shadow executive. Under the scheme, government ministers would be nominated and future government programmes discussed, but some paramilitary weapons would have to be decommissioned before an official transfer of powers from London could take place. The plan is expected to be put to the political parties later this week.
With the marching season and the June European elections looming, the two governments are under pressure to overcome the weapons impasse and rescue the Good Friday Agreement. It is believed that the two leaders will propose a transitional executive when they meet party leaders this week. A spokesperson from the Northern Office confirmed that it was one of a range of proposals that the two governments were considering. He stressed however that it was up to the parties themselves to decide on the way forward.
Sinn Féin has already attempted to pour cold water on the proposal describing it as a "genetically modified" Hillsborough Declaration. The Ulster Unionists have refused to comment until the proposal is put to the parties.
