It is increasingly likely that Stormont will trundle forwards in incremental fits and starts as it tries to find a resolution to the deadlock between the DUP and Sinn Féin over the issue of welfare reform.
Speaking this evening First Minister Peter Robinson was digging in expressing his fears that the institutions were in jeopardy if Sinn Féin did not accept what the DUP had put on the table. And Sinn Féin’s Conor Murphy also made a statement saying that they could not accept this deal as there was too much uncertainty built in arising from the UK Chancellor’s position over the block grant which they maintain could be further cut as part of austerity measures.
Following this afternoon’s Stormont House Agreement review meeting with the five Northern Ireland party leaders, Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers said: “The situation looks increasingly grim.
“No resolution was found at this afternoon’s meeting and time is running out.
“If the impasse on welfare reform is not resolved, then the whole Stormont House Agreement is in jeopardy, including the £2billion financial package and the new institutions on the past.“We now face the real prospect of emergency budget provisions coming into operation by the end of July with a negative impact on front line public services.
“Implementation of the Stormont House Agreement is the only way to get things back on track. The Government is doing all it can to achieve this.
“The question is whether Northern Ireland’s leaders are able to find a way to deliver on their side of the deal.”]]>
