North deadline to be written into law
Saturday, 8 April 2006 21:55
The British and Irish governments' deadline for agreement on restoring power to Stormont will be written into emergency law to be brought before the House of Commons later this month.
In an interview with BBC Radio Ulster, the Northern Secretary, Peter Hain, said this would make the deadline rock solid.
Mr Hain also confirmed plans for a summit meeting between the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, in June.
He said unionists should not be concerned about any change to Northern Ireland's constitutional position within the United Kingdom if a deal on devolution could not be achieved.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has welcomed Mr Hain's comments.
Speaking after a meeting of the party's Árd Comhairle, Mr Adams said the introduction of such legislation would be 'a good thing'.
He said his party intends to join the reconvened Assembly in May.
