Lynch raises hopes of settlement

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32708, 10 September 1971, Page 11

Lynch raises hopes of settlement

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, September 9. Hopes have been raised in London for a new pe initiative to break the deadlock over Northern Ireland, but British Government is under increasing pressure from Labour Opposition to recall Parliament to debate the crisis.

The Prime Minister of [ the Irish Republic (Mr i Lynch) revived hopes of 1 a settlement when he indicated that he might, after all. take part in 1 talks with the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland (Mr Faulkner) and the British leader, Mr Heath. Mr Lynch said in Dublin last night: “I am ready to consider the idea seriously because of the continuing grave situation in the North, and because every effort needs to be made to obtain peace through political means.” He had earlier expressed some misgivings about taking part in any discussions with Mr Faulkner—-whom the Roman Catholic republic considers to be the Protestant leader of a British-ruled province which should be reunited with the South. The suggestion of threePower summit talks was made by Mr Heath when he met Mr Lynch for two days of talks in London earlier this week. British Government officials have welcomed Mr Lynch’s statement—and apparent second thoughts—as a hopeful sign at a time when the plan seemed to have foundered. • In a speech yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Harold Wilson) demanded the recall of Parliament and also proposed a 12point plan for restoring 1 peace in Ulster and bringing i about a political settlement, i His proposal would give the i British Parliament a stronger say in Northern Ireland’s i affairs by the initial appoint- < ment of a British Minister for i Northern Ireland. 1

Mr Wilson also wants the appointment of a Parliamentary commission to inquire into Ulster legislation and to

propose new laws in reports to the two Parliaments in London and Belfast. The commission would comprise an equal number of representatives from Britain and Northern Ireland, the

province’s team to include Senate members who could speak for sectional and minority, interests. Mr Wilson suggests that proportional representation should be introduced into Northern Ireland elections, with multi-member constituencies sufficiently large to ensure that the Legislature reflects as accurately as possible the views of the electors.' . ... ■ ,' ■

Mr Heath rejected a previous Labour demand for a recall,-but this time Ministers are believed to be more agreeable to the idea; the Government is keen to rebut Labour accusations of mishandling the situation, and to spell out its own policy after Mr Heath’s talks with Mr Lynch and subsequent contacts 1 with Mr Faulkner.