HL Deb 11 January 2005 vol 668 c27WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will call a meeting of the Northern Ireland Assembly to select an Executive comprising only those parties who are committed to democratic means. [HL458]

Baroness Amos

We shall end the suspension of the devolved institutions once there is a political foundation for resumed devolved government. The Northern Ireland Assembly would meet once suspension was lifted. The selection of the Executive would follow according to the arrangements set out in the Northern Ireland Act 1998; the Secretary of State has no general power to specify which parties would be involved.