BY MARK McKELVEY
m.mckelvey@ulsterherald.com
WITH the March 26 deadline for the restoration of devolved institutions looming, West Tyrone's DUP and Sinn Féin representatives feel it is in the other parties' hands whether they take the reins of power on Monday. Both have until then to sign up to an agreement to go into government, but the DUP is still holding out as they still seek 'clarity' on Sinn Féin's recent endorsement of the PSNI is being matched by co-operation on the ground.
Sinn Féin, on the other hand, has giving the green light to a power-sharing Executive with the DUP.
Peter Hain warned those in the DUP who believe they can push past the March 26 deadline that the party will lose everything it gained at the St Andrews talks if there is no devolved government.
West Tyrone DUP assembly member Tom Buchanan said it is up to Sinn Féin to prove it has embraced democracy and is equal to the law before it can move on together. However, he did accept movements have been made by Sinn Féin giving hope that possibly a deal could be made, however that decision will hinge on the outcome of a meeting of the DUP executive on Saturday.
The DUP MLA said, "We do acknowledge Sinn Féin has moved some way in coming up to the mark, but I don't believe it has moved enough, I believe it has dragged its heels. The big question lies, between now and Peter Hain's deadline — will it be able to deliver?
"I honestly don't know if the devolved institutions will be re-established on Monday, they have had ten years at it and have done very little over that period. They have to show know that they are determined to move forward."
Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff feels that his party has met the criteria and it is now up to the DUP to stop "resisting democracy".
"It is in the DUP's court and everybody knows that. The DUP has to agree to power sharing on the basis of equality — that is what the whole thing is about," said Mr McElduff.
"This is an exciting time in politics and it can be that, but Monday will tell the tale. Sinn Féin is saying green light for go. We are looking for the abolition of water charges, absolute commitment to open up the greater north west of Ireland with better roads infrastructure and also flagship projects such as opening the Ulster Canal that will attract tourism and economic regeneration of small towns and villages."
Warnings by Peter Hain, that unless devolution is established the introduction of water rates would remain, but if the parties take responsibility for these matters then they can determine the policy, have been described as "blackmail" by Mr Buchanan.
The DUP MLA said, "Peter Hain's words are seeking to blackmail the unionist people by saying you have to move forward even if Sinn Féin is not ready you still have to go into power sharing. These are bully boy tactics and we as a party has always said we are condition led not calendar led, so Peter Hain's blackmail tactics will not work.
"He is trying to use every skulduggery in the book to put the blame with the DUP concerning water charges, so if the plug is pulled on devolved government that is not the fault of the DUP that is the fault of Sinn Féin and Peter Hain."
Mr McElduff however welcomed the Secretary's words, provided they are matched by action.
The Sinn Féin MLS said, "There is no doubt that it would the DUP's fault. The two governments have been saying the right things in the last two weeks, putting it up to everyone, but especially the DUP that now is the time. The DUP has no more excuses and Monday is crunch time. People expect, people deserve."
