‘Renewed talks must address and resolve equality and rights issues’ – Newry MLA

Newry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy has said that Sinn Féin wants the institutions restored immediately and it was essential that renewed talks delivered rights and equality for all.

The MLA, who is his Party’s Chief Negotiator, was commenting on the announcement of renewed political talks. “Renewed political talks must urgently address and resolve the issues of equality, rights and integrity in government which caused the collapse in confidence in the power-sharing institutions two years ago.

“Sinn Féin also welcome the meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) and the announcement of renewed talks.”

The Sinn Féin representative said that the talks would be a test of wether the British government and the DUP were willing to resolve the issues of equality, rights and integrity in government.

“We want the institutions restored immediately; credible and sustainable institutions based on equality, respect and genuine partnership government,” he continued.

“Nobody could countenance the continued denial of these basic rights. People want these issues resolved. So these talks will be a test of whether the British government and the DUP are finally willing to resolve the issues which caused the collapse of the power-sharing institutions two years ago.”

The local MLA added, “There is a sincere hope that we now see a change in approach and that this process delivers on marriage equality, and rights for women, Irish speakers and victims.

 “However, if these key issues of rights cannot be resolved through the talks process, the two governments have a responsibility under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement to deliver these through the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC)”.

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Posted by Newry Times News on Apr 29 2019. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry