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Ulster poll peaceful

Hasan Suroor

LONDON: Northern Ireland on Wednesday took the first tentative step toward restoration of self-rule and the resumption of the stalled peace process as people voted to elect a new 108-member Provincial Assembly paving the way for a joint Protestant-Catholic administration.

The province has been ruled from London since the Assembly was suspended in October 2002 following allegations of spying against the Irish Republican Army.

Polling, which would go until 10 p.m. (local time), was reported to be "steady'' and largely peaceful.

Although more than half-a-dozen parties are contesting, the main fight is between Sinn Fein, representing the Catholic Republicans; the hardline Protestant group Democratic Unionist Party (DUP); and the moderate Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).

The previous government was run by Sinn Fein and UUP, but over time UUP has lost ground to DUP.

The latter had previously refused to have anything to do with Sinn Fein but has softened its stand following a series of crucial concessions by Republicans.

Under plans drawn up by the British and Irish Governments, a new administration should be in place by March 26 failing which the Assembly would be dissolved.

Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart, Bertie Ahern, who have worked hard to get the peace process back on track, have warned parties that this is their last chance to govern Northern Ireland. "It would be deeply regrettable if this agreed deadline is missed and if the opportunity to govern is not taken,'' said Mr Ahern.

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