Brexit Proposals a basis for serious engagement

• All sides recognise change to the Withdrawal Agreement is required to secure agreement
• Northern Ireland leaves the Customs Union on 31st October
• Northern Ireland leaves the Single Market on 31st October
• No tarrif border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain
• Accountability of any Northern Ireland alignment with EU rules with democratic consent required.

The party response continued:

"These proposals, which are entirely consistent with the sprit and principles of the Belfast Agreement, demonstrate commitment to working with our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland in a spirit of mutual co-operation whilst respecting the integrity of Northern Ireland’s economic and constitutional position within the United Kingdom.  They also protect the integrity of the institutions created by the Belfast and St Andrews Agreements.

They ensure democratic consent to the specific alignment proposals both before they enter into force and thereafter on an ongoing basis and they respect the democratic decision of the UK, of which Northern Ireland is a part.

Further work remains to be completed between the UK and the European Union but we would encourage all concerned to approach these discussions in a positive mind-set within a spirit of wanting to secure a negotiated withdrawal agreement that can allow everyone to focus on future relationships. 

For our part that is the manner in which we will approach these issues over the coming period."

Irish reaction highlights real intentions behind backstop

"Together for the Union" at the Conservative Conference

DUP motion of no confidence in Causeway Coast mayor passes

Following comments from the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Sinn Fein Councillor Sean Bateson which praised IRA terrorist Thomas McElwee, Councillors this week passed a motion of no confidence in him.

The motion was tabled by DUP Group Leader on the Council, Aaron Callan. Speaking after the debate Cllr Callan said,

“This motion was initially tabled over six weeks ago but the offence caused by Cllr Bateson’s comments has not diminished over that time. The Mayor should be a leader of the Borough and someone able to command respect right across our community. Cllr Bateson’s refusal and that of his party to acknowledge the offence caused have only served to bring the post of Mayor into disrepute.
 
Sinn Fein must not just acknowledge the offence caused by Cllr Bateson but the message sent out by Causeway Coast and Glens Council. The Mayor now no longer commands the confidence of the Council and that has been exacerbated by Sinn Fein’s determination to ‘double down’ on support for terrorism.

Cllr Bateson was not alive during the hunger strikes or when the troubles were blighting Northern Ireland. Unfortunately his actions have not just been condoned by more senior Sinn Fein representatives, but actively encouraged. Rather than focused on building a better future it is deeply disappointing that Cllr Bateson and his colleagues seem intent only on glorifying the terrorism of the past."
 
Whilst it appears Sinn Fein will attempt to ignore this democratic vote of Council they cannot escape the message that was sent out by Council. Their refusal to even acknowledge the problem means the message of no confidence must extend right across that party.”