The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, said last night he had urged the Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, to ensure the period of suspension of institutions in the North was as short as possible, and that the Assembly and Executive were restored without delay.
"The full and stable operation of the institutions is a crucial part of the progress we are seeking to achieve," said the Minister in a statement.
Mr Cowen yesterday sought an "urgent meeting" with Dr Reid after he was informed of the decision to suspend the operation of the Assembly and Executive. The two men are to meet at Hillsborough this morning. "We have made very significant progress across the range of outstanding issues in recent weeks and days. The early restoration of the institutions is vital if we are to build on what has been achieved and to take our work forward in the period ahead," said Mr Cowen.
The Government, he added, believed not one working day should be lost in resolving the problems so that the Belfast Agreement was fully implemented. "I call on all of the parties to reflect seriously on our situation and to approach the work that remains to be done in a positive and constructive manner." Both governments, he said, would remain in "the closest contact in the period ahead".
The leader of the Labour Party, Mr Ruairi Quinn, said it was disappointing that a week which started with such hope should end with the suspension of the institutions. "Nobody who wants to see the full implementation of the Good Friday agreement could welcome the suspension of the institutions, but given the set of circumstances facing the two governments, it is probably the least worst option.
"The promise by the Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, that the period of suspension will be brief and will hopefully end before the weekend, at least gives a little space for further discussion. It must not be wasted, as this may well be the last opportunity to save the agreement."