Unionist politicians need to make their minds up if they are going to agree to the Haass proposals, Deputy First Minister has said.
Martin McGuinness.
Mr McGuinness was speaking at Sinn Fein Ard Fheis in Co Wexford at which he said the time to make agreement “is now.”
He said his party was not prepared to wait until after the May elections for a decision from unionists about the plans on flags, parades and dealing with the past.
Mr McGuinness said: “The Haass proposals as they currently stand represent a huge missed opportunity, if they are not accepted by all the parties,” he told delegates from around the country, including a number for Derry.
“Two months on from the proposals were published, one big question remains unanswered, and it is fundamental to moving forward. Is political unionism up for doing a deal or not?
“The time has come for unionist politicians to stop dancing to the tune of the Orange Order and their extremists. The time for agreement is not after the May elections, nor after the marching season – the time for agreement is now.”
Live coverage of the Ard Fheis will be screened live on RTE One Television from 11.00am to 1.00pm today and from 8.00pm to 9.00pm on BBC Two tonight which feature Sinn Fein leader’s Gerry Adams keynote speech which will also be screened on RTE One from 8.30pm.
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