The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) executive members are set to be briefed on a possible deal to restore power-sharing at Stormont on Monday. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the party leader, will provide a “detailed update” on the situation. However, sources indicate that there is no meeting currently planned with party officers, who have the power to approve any deal.
Almost two years ago, the DUP protested against post-Brexit trade arrangements and collapsed the executive. Talks have since ensued with the UK government to secure amendments to the arrangements set out in the UK-EU Windsor Framework deal.
The email invitation to the Monday meeting was leaked and disclosed on social media on Friday. It warned party members not to communicate details of the discussions with the media.
The proposed deal, which has yet to be seen by the DUP, is expected to limit the UK’s active divergence from EU rules on traded goods, which could cause difficulties for Northern Ireland. Other aspects of the agreement may include the creation of an east-west political body like the North South Ministerial Council, a business organization akin to InterTrade Ireland, a green lane renamed the UK internal market lane, and new legal guarantees of access for Northern Ireland traders selling to Great Britain.
The situation remains contentious, and Alliance assembly member Nuala McAllister urged the DUP to make the “right decision for everyone in Northern Ireland.” Critics, such as Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister, warn the party not to accept the protocol, which they classify as a “partitioning border in the Irish Sea” and “a point of no return.” Negotiators hope that the power-sharing deal will be agreed soon since the deadline for restoring devolution has been extended to February 8th. Failure to reach an agreement could lead Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to call an election
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