West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Doherty 'still' hopeful of talk's breakthrough

Published: 26 January, 2010

Speaking from the talks at Hillsborough Castle on Tuesday afternoon, West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty said

"The focus of these negotiations is to establish a firm date for the transfer of policing and justice powers to the North and to ensure that the principles of power sharing and partnership underpin the political institutions.

"We have waited for three years for the DUP to honour commitments made at St Andrews. This is in sharp contrast to Sinn Féin who delivered on the issue of policing by calling a special Ard Fhéis within three months of the agreement. Despite this, we are still hopeful that a breakthrough can be achieved.

"It is abundantly clear that the DUP are the party who are in default by not working the institutions as envisaged. The problem therefore lies with the DUP who must ensure that the commitments they made are honoured so we can get on with the business of providing leadership and effective government for the people who elect us.