- 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.
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SDLP Paper: A Possible Form of Weighted Voting
A Possible Form of Weighted Voting
(A paper from the SDLP)
1. Weighted majority for particular kinds of decisions can provide a degree of safeguard against the possibility of large parties forcing their wishes on an Assembly. Such safeguards are generally invoked for major decisions and, or for those decisions which can be regarded as potentially contentious. Along with the possible need for a weighted majority consideration should be given to the a possible threshold requirement for appeals/petitions being entered on behalf of Assembly members against, or in favour of certain decisions.
2. Agreeing the precise formula for a weighted majority/threshold requirement is difficult. However, it is clear that such procedures must be of a kind that meet the basic test of providing cross-community support for decisions on important/contentious issues, so demonstrating fairness, while at the same time being workable.
3. A requirement for a weighted majority of 75% of those elected to an Assembly for N. Ireland is the best figure that we feel would ensure that representatives from both sides of the community would be giving their support to such decisions. In turn, this should ensure significant levels of cross-community support.
4. If this weighted majority was to be based on the number of members present and voting, a very different situation would arise. Important decisions could be made which would not command cross-community support of a significant kind. It is for this reason that we would not favour the adoption of such a mechanism.
5. It follows from the recommendation in 3, that a threshold of 25% would be required for the admission of any appeal, or petition against a decision.
Decisions yet to be taken
- SDLP Paper: A Possible Form of Weighted Voting (introduced on 1992-06-10 09:00:00 - CREATE - e899428) [This document]
Document Timeline
- SDLP Paper: A Possible Form of Weighted Voting (introduced on 1992-06-10 09:00:00 - CREATE - e899428) [This document] [view current proposal at this moment]