However, since the signing of the St Andrews Agreement in 2006, which gave other powers to the Northern Ireland executive, direct rule can only be implemented if the UK government passes a law through the UK Parliament. Northern Ireland Minister Peter Hain called the deal an “astonishing breakthrough” on BBC Five Live. Direct domination is the mechanism for assuming and transferring to London the functions and powers of the Government of Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Executive. The October 13 joint statement stated that governments had “requested the parties to confirm their adoption by November 10, after consultation with their members.” In a Sinn Féin statement, it was said that on 6 November, “Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle appointed the leadership of the party, which was appointed to St. Ard Chomhairle. Andrews has followed the course set and continued the ongoing negotiations to resolve the outstanding issues,” and that they are “firmly convinced that all outstanding difficulties can be resolved.” The DUP statement said: “Given that Sinn Féin is not yet ready to take the decisive step in policing, the DUP will not be required to engage in any aspect of power-sharing before this certainty.” While neither declaration was an “acceptance” of the agreement, both governments said there was enough support from all parties to continue the process. The St Andrews Agreement was a step in the peace process in Northern Ireland, which began after the outbreak of communist violence, known as The Troubles in the late 1960s. Since the creation of the State of Northern Ireland by the division of Ireland in 1921, the Roman Catholic minority, which was also in favour of union with the independent Republic of Ireland, has been systematically discriminated against by the Protestant majority that supported unification with Britain. Parliament, the police, the civil service and many local governments were controlled by the Unionist parties (also known as loyalists) whose members were Protestants. What began as a non-citizen and non-violent movement has been replaced by armed conflicts and paramilitary organizations on both sides. The Northern Ireland Parliament was suspended in 1972, when the British government took direct control.

British troops were deployed in Northern Ireland to keep the peace. . . .

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