AS HE arrives in Belfast today to broker a Stormont deal David Cameron has described the all-party talks as being at a ‘crucial phase’.
The Prime Minister, along with Taoiseach Enda Kenny, are meeting with Assembly members, including Sinn Féin and the DUP, in a bid to break political deadlock in the North of Ireland.
Parties are currently engaged in on-going talks on issues including parades, flags, public finance and welfare cuts.
“This week I am in Northern Ireland to participate directly in the cross-party talks that are now in their ninth week at Stormont,” the Prime Minister said.
“These talks have reached a crucial phase. I am determined to do everything I can to help resolve outstanding issues and secure agreement across a range of vitally important issues.”
Mr Cameron said he would be “pushing hard” to bring the discussions to a successful conclusion this week.
“I am confident, too, that Northern Ireland’s political leaders share a genuine desire to reach an agreement,” he added.
The Taoiseach spoke by phone with Prime Minister Cameron yesterday to discuss their approach to the talks.
He said he was cautiously optimistic that an agreement could be concluded.
"While recognising the complex and difficult issues to be addressed, the parties have engaged constructively and with a renewed effort, an agreement could be reached which would offer a brighter future for the people of Northern Ireland," he added.
The Tánaiste, Joan Burton, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan and Minister of State, Sean Sherlock, TD will also be in Belfast for the talks process.
Last week Enda Kenny urged executive representatives to “compromise” and deliver on an agreement before Christmas, adding that “the window is narrowing.”
The prospect of lowering the North’s corporation tax rate is expected to feature as an incentive in this week’s talks.
In his autumn statement to the House of Commons last week, Chancellor George Osborne said the British Government would introduce legislation on the matter as soon as next year if the talks prove successful.
A lower corporation tax rate in the North of Ireland would create a more even playing field with the Republic, where the rate currently stands at 12.5 per cent versus 21 per cent in Britain.
Seán Sherlock, Minister of State for Development, Trade Promotion and North South Co-operation, welcomed the move.
“Measures and policy initiatives which boost economic growth in Northern Ireland are good for the economy of the whole island,” he said.
“We account for one quarter of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing exports and Northern Ireland sells more goods to us than to the Americas and Asia combined.”
The value of North-South cross border trade is currently at €3.04billion - up by over seven per cent on last year’s figures.
As both sides gear up for the discussions, Minister Sherlock said he was confident all parties have reason to invest time and effort into the talks.
“The prospect of further growth in Northern Ireland’s private sector economy will open increased job and trading opportunities on both sides of the border and greater scope for economic collaboration and co-operation,” he said.
