Adams and Paisley strike power-share deal

Updated 19.41 Mon Mar 26 2007

Keywords: Northern Ireland, Gerry Adams, Ian Paisley

Power-sharing will return to Northern Ireland on May 8 as part of an historic deal brokered by the Rev Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams.

The date was confirmed by the Democratic Unionist Party leader after the first face-to-face meeting between the two parties, lasting an hour, in the dining room at Stormont's Parliament Buildings.

"Sinn Fein is about building a new relationship between orange and green and all the other colours where every citizen can share and have equality of ownership of a peaceful, prosperous and just future" - Gerry Adams

The Rev Paisley said: "This meeting represents an important step on the road to the setting-up of a power-sharing executive in six weeks' time."

He confirmed that between now and the date of the restoration of devolved government the Assembly parties would be involved in preparatory work to ensure that the power-sharing ministers would be able to hit the ground running.

This would include regular meetings between himself and Martin McGuinness as the de facto First and Deputy First Ministers.

Negotiations would also continue to secure a better financial package for the new power-sharing government from Chancellor Gordon Brown.

Sinn Fein president Mr Adams said the agreement between his party and the DUP marked the beginning of a new era of politics in Ireland.

"The discussions and agreement between our two parties showed the potential of what can now be achieved," he said.

"There are still many difficulties to be faced but let it be clear - the basis of the agreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP follows Ian Paisley's unequivocal and welcome commitment to support and participate fully in the political institutions on May 8."

Mr Adams also confirmed that, as an immediate step, the two parties had asked the British Government not to issue controversial water charges which were due to be posted tomorrow.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "This is a very important day for the people of Northern Ireland but also for the people and the history of these islands.

"Everything we have done over the last ten years has been a preparation for this moment."