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Paisley and McGuinness hold discussions on future of the Joint Ministerial Council

Tuesday, 22 April 2008

First Minister Rt. Hon Dr Ian Paisley MP MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have met with the Secretary of State for Wales Paul Murphy to discuss the upcoming meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC).

During the meeting the Ministers discussed plans for the future role of the Joint Ministerial Committee and ideas for the agenda for the plenary meeting.

Speaking the following the meeting Dr Paisley said: “This meeting has allowed for an open exchange of views on how the JMC might operate in the future. The JMC will hopefully allow the administrations to develop issues of common interest whilst ensuring that any differences between us are resolved.”

Mr McGuinness said: “The JMC can assist us in developing our own role following the restoration of institutions here last May. It is clear that we can learn from the other administrations as well as offering our own unique perspective on the many challenges they face.”