North talks involving outside governments needed - Flanagan

Minster for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has indicated the Irish and British governments will need to become involved in negotiations to resolve the crisis in the Northern Executive surrounding the active status of the IRA.

In an interview with RTÉ, Mr Flanagan said it seemed clear to him that a solution would not be found within Northern Ireland and that some form of talks process involving both governments would be required.

He also said that Sinn Féin needed to “ensure” that the IRA was “put firmly out of business”.

The first formal engagement between both governments at a high political level will commence later this week when he will meet with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers in Dublin.

“I am absolutely convinced that given adequate and proper political will that solutions can be found.”

It seems clear that this solution will not be found from within Northern Ireland itself and will involve the persuasion, involvement, influence and activity of the two governments.

“I am looking forward to a lengthy and wide-ranging meeting with Theresa Villiers in Dublin over the next few days,” he said.

UUP withdrawal

The crisis has arisen following the assessment of the PSNI chief constable George Hamilton that the IRA may have retained its structures, albeit not in pursuit of any paramilitary activity. The assessment has resulted in the Ulster Unionist Party withdrawing its minister from the power-sharing executive. The main unionist party, the Democratic Unionist Party, is also expected to respond following the return of its leader Peter Robinson from holiday.

Mr Flanagan struck a note of optimism, saying he was hopeful a solution could be found.

“I believe it’s important that everybody work together. I don’t see a collapse of the institutions as being a solution to the problem.

“There is a power-sharing regime under the Good Friday Agreement. I believe it can only be preserved if all the party leaders and Sinn Féin in particular work towards ensuring that a level of trust and confidence that seems to be disappearing is restored.

“Five party leaders must turn their attention towards working towards [a solution] over the coming days.”

Mr Flanagan said he was concerned the level of trust and confidence was less than it should be. Pointing in particular to the onus of responsibility on Sinn Féin he said: “Normal politics will only be introduced on this island fully if Sinn Féin uses its influence and its exhortation to ensure that IRA is put firmly out of business.”