Tuesday’s deal included several measures to allay suspicions about the ongoing role of paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland despite the IRA’s 2005 renouncement of arms, which led to a 1998 peace deal and the formation of a power-sharing government.
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However, there was no agreement on how to deal with the legacy of Northern Ireland’s troubled past. After 10 weeks of negotiations, the elected representatives put the people of Northern Ireland first, and established a plan towards a more prosperous and peaceful society. Agreement has been reached on the long-standing stumbling block of welfare reform, with the Northern Ireland Executive set to fund measures to mitigate the impact of cuts imposed by Westminster.
However, Amnesty global was among a number of campaign groups that criticised the lack of progress on victims’ issues.
“We have pledged ourselves today to stand together, ” said McGuinness, whose Irish nationalist Sinn Fein party represents the Catholic minority.
The claims caused First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Peter Robinson to step aside from his position in Northern Ireland’s Government in September, taking the majority of his Ministers with him. He said: “The legacy of the past remains a huge gap in this work”.
Once again, Northern Ireland’s citizens are digesting news that their politicians have brokered a deal which saves power-sharing at the country’s devolved assembly at Stormont.
Thousands of unsolved murders from the 30-year conflict were due to be investigated as part of last year’s Stormont House Agreement.
However other “legacy” issues such as flags, emblems and parades have been deferred to a separate round of talks to begin in the coming months.
“Significantly, the parties make a firm commitment to achieving a society free of paramilitarism, to working for the disbandment of all paramilitary organisations and their structures, and to challenging paramilitary attempts to control communities”.
Their other executive partners have been kept firmly in the dark and are now expected to ratify the proposals.
“At best this deal saves devolution from collapse, but Alliance is sceptical it will place the institutions on a sustainable basis, never mind offer a fresh start”.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood also expressed his concerns on the issue by stating: “The absence of comprehensive proposals on the Past is a very serious failure”. This agreement deals with the issues that have cast the greatest shadow over the future of the devolved institutions here.
“I commend the United Kingdom and Irish governments for patiently and steadfastly facilitating this successful outcome”.
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The Northern Ireland Finance Minister on Wednesday outlined details of a new funding boost for key public services in the North as a result of the latest Stormont deal including £47.6 million for health and £15 million for education. We will continue to do all we can to support those in need.
