- Event type: CREATE
Northern Ireland Brooke/Mayhew Talks 1991-1992
WORK IN PROGRESS - IN THE FINAL STAGES OF EDITING A series of talks launched by Peter Brooke, Secretary of State for Northern in Ireland, which began in April 1991, and were carried on intermittently by Brooke and his successor, Patrick Mayhew, until November 1992.
Political Structures Sub-Committee
Editor's Note: This sub-Committee was initially commissioned by the Plenary to discuss proposals for new political structures in Northern Ireland. By 26 May, the Talks have run into difficulty and the Business Committee sets a fresh agenda and terms of reference for the sub-Committee. It is asked to focus on the impasse in the Talks, and it is agreed that minutes will not be taken or papers circulated beyond the membership of the sub-Committee and the Party Leaders. As there appears to be continuity within the Committee rather than a complete reconstitution, we model the sessions from 27 May as being part of the same sub-Committee. Records for this later period are, however, more scarce since formal minutes were no longer produced.
To see the full record of a committee, click on the corresponding committee on the map below.
Session 14250: 1992-06-10 09:00:00
Meetings of the Sub-Committee in two Sub-Groups continue.
Document View:
Alliance Paper: Weighted Majorities and Thresholds
ANNEX C1
WEIGHTED MAJORITIES AND THRESHOLDS - AN ALLIANCE VIEW
We would see the use of weighted majority voting for contentious issues and the use of threshold votes as a trigger mechanism for the activation of appeal procedures as an essential means of ensuring that the Assembly functioned on a give and take basis.
We would envisage a majority of 70% of members of the Assembly being required for the appointment of Speaker, for the ratification of the panel of Chairmen, and for contentious legislation.
That requirement might be invoked by statute by the Business Committee, or by a petition of 30% of the members of the Assembly. When legislation had passed through the Assembly it could be referred by a petition of 30% of the members of the Assembly either to the proposed panel or to the Westminster Parliament. Votes on departmental estimates would also be by weighted majority.
Similar procedures might be applied in respect of decision making within committees, though we are aware that there could be practical difficulties in implementing such procedures. In any event committee decisions reported to the Assembly would be subject to the same weighted majority and threshold mechanisms.
Decisions yet to be taken
- Alliance Paper: Weighted Majorities and Thresholds (introduced on 1992-06-10 09:00:00 - CREATE - e899427) [This document]
Document Timeline
- Alliance Paper: Weighted Majorities and Thresholds (introduced on 1992-06-10 09:00:00 - CREATE - e899427) [This document] [view current proposal at this moment]