Viewpoint: A clear vote for an end to direct rule

Opinion

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Editor: Martin Lindsay

Friday, March 09, 2007

The two main power blocs of Northern Ireland politics, the DUP and Sinn Fein, have consolidated their already dominant positions within unionism and nationalism respectively.

As the Ipsos-MORI poll commissioned by the Belfast Telegraph indicated, the strategies adopted by Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams have paid off. Both leaders deserve credit for taking risks and now they have reaped the electoral reward.

Mr Paisley has managed to convince the great majority of his supporters that partnership with republicans is the way forward, provided the terms are right. For his part, Mr Adams has brought the bulk of his party's voters with him in his campaign for support for the Police Service.

The upshot is that Northern Ireland is now on course for negotiations which could and should produce a power-sharing executive and result in the re-establishment of the Assembly. The prospect is that direct rule will be put on hold and for the first time in four and a half years, local politicians will take charge.

The clear message from the electorate is that Northern Ireland has had enough of remote control rule from Westminster. The voters want to see the parties getting down to business.

Mr Paisley and Mr Adams have secured their mandates, but that is only the first stage of the devolution process. Between now and March 26 - two weeks from next Monday - the parties will be engaged in detailed negotiations on the formation of an executive.

Time is of the essence and the aim must be to meet the deadline set by Peter Hain. It is understandable that the British and Irish Governments should insist that they are not going to budge, they must surely be prepared to show some flexibility should the parties be on the brink of an accommodation.

Feverish activity can now be expected to take place behind the scenes and the two main parties should have the confidence to hold face-to-face negotiations. Arm's length discussions will be no substitute for a genuine engagement, and the DUP should have no hesitation now in taking that step.

The downside of this election is that Northern Ireland's sectarian faultlines are now starker than ever. A gulf exists between the DUP and Sinn Fein but they know that they only way they can secure power is to agree to work together.

It is a tantalising prospect and one which would transform the international image of Northern Ireland. The DUP and Sinn Fein now hold the future of this province in their hands. They must not be found wanting.