Devolved Northern Ireland government resumes office

The North's devolved government resumed office today amid growing tensions between the SDLP and the Northern Secretary, Peter Mandelson, over reform of the RUC. The Deputy First Minister, Seamus Mallon, said that Mr Mandelson was refusing to discuss the policing issue with the SDLP and had failed to act as an honest broker. The Taoiseach, welcoming the restoration of the Executive, said that the Patten Report on the RUC must be implemented so that a police force acceptable to all can be established.

The Taoiseach and the opposition congratulated Mr Trimble and his fellow Ministers on the re-establishment of the Northern Executive. Mr Ahern told the Dáil that he hoped, over time, to bring on board those who still opposed the Good Friday Agreement. He also stressed the need for confidence building measures.

The North's devolved government took up office again today, with appeals to the parties to set differences aside and get on with the job. The former DUP ministers have still refused, however, to say whether they intend to take up their seats, when the executive meets for the first time on Thursday. A sense of relief swept over the North's political establishment today as ministers resumed office after their enforced three-month suspension. No-one doubted the challenges ahead, both inside individual departments and on the wider stage, but there was a sense that this administration was now more firmly grounded.

Martin McGuinness, the controversial Sinn Féin Education Minister said that it was great to be back, and listed reform of the North's 11+ exam, which effectively decides the education future for children at the age of 11, as among his top priorities. Reg Empey, the Trade and Development Minister, listed inward investment and a highly critical report on the North's Industrial Development Board at the head of his in file. On the broader front, David Trimble said that Republicans would have to move swiftly to build confidence by delivering on their arms promises. Seamus Mallon agreed, but he said that his feeling was that they would.

Only the DUP sang outside the choir today. Their ministers were at their desks, but a decision on whether they will resign their posts is imminent. The party is split on the issue, with grassroots pressure to pull out of the administration matched against activists who want to stay in. A news conference is due to follow a party executive meeting tonight.

On Morning Ireland this morning, Mr Mallon strongly criticised the Northern Secretary's handling of the restoration of devolution saying he had not been available to hear Nationalist concerns. Mr Mallon said that he did not know what agreement Mr Mandelson had made with the Ulster Unionist Party or with the party's Deputy Leader, John Taylor. Last Saturday, Mr Taylor claimed that he had received assurances from the British and Irish governments about the Patten Proposals. However, Mr Mallon said that the Taoiseach had told him that he had given no such assurances. Mr Mallon said that Mr Mandelson has concentrated his efforts on dealing with Unionism.