Keithblog

If agreement cannot be reached between Bertie Ahern’s Fianna Fáil and the right of centre Progressive Democrats in Dáil Éireann then Direct Rule may be imposed by London.

“BELFAST, Northern Ireland, April 29 (UPI) — The president of Northern Ireland, Mary McAleese dissolved parliament Sunday as Prime Minister Bertie Ahern announced an election next month.

The move came after Ahern met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London, Sky News reported.

However, in a joint statement issued in London, Ahern and Blair said the proposed May 24 vote could be called off if a power-sharing agreement wasn’t reached by Ahern’s Fianna Fail party and the right of center Progressive Democrats in the 166-seat parliament known as the Dail.

“If at any point it became clear that parties were unwilling to fulfill their commitments … and support for policing, it would be unreasonable to expect the people of Northern Ireland to continue with an election to an assembly which would not exist,” the statement said.

Ahern is seeking a third term in office, and a report said the race is expected to be close.”

- United Press International via The Washington Times

Keithout

The BBC has revelled French plans to merge the UK and France during the 1950s. The French Prime Minister at the time Guy Mollet went to London for talks with Anthony Eden.

The most bizarre thing is that the plans would have made The Queen Head of State of the new union. After being turned down by the British Prime Minister Mr Mollet seems to have quickly forgotten the idea. Instead France turned to Germany and the new EEC which would evolve into the European Union.

The basis of the proposal was due to Britain’s “blossoming welfare state” something which France had been unable to copy after the second World War.

BBC Radio Four will broadcast Document’s A Marriage Cordial at 8pm on Monday. Those of you in France can listen online at bbc.co.uk/radio4.

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