(VOVWORLD) - The UK on Tuesday rejected the Irish foreign minister’s call for Dublin to be given a role in the running of Northern Ireland if parties fail to revive the power-sharing government.
A British government spokesman said in a statement that it would "never countenance any arrangement, such as Joint Authority, inconsistent with the principle of consent in the (Good Friday) Agreement." Despite the absence of devolved government, only the UK Government can provide public services and good governance in Northern Ireland, the statement said.