Quill Project

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992

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.

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The list of documents under consideration by committee: Political Structures Sub-Committee at the end of its timeline.

Business of the Structures Sub-Committee

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 12 May 1992, 10:30

Business of the Structures Sub-Committee

People: Jeremy Hanley

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 12 May 1992, 10:30

The Committee agreed to proceed on this basis.

Sub-Committee Press Release

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 12 May 1992, 10:30

Sub-Committee Press Release

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 12 May 1992, 10:30

[Editor's Note: The press release is agreed by all parties.]

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC2

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC2

People: British Government Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

[Editor's Note: Both documents are not discussed again, so we assume the amended versions were accepted by all parties. A revised version was circulated and is preserved in the Alderdice Archive.]

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC3

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC3

People: British Government Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

[Editor's Note: Both documents are not discussed again, so we assume the amended versions were accepted by all parties. A revised version was circulated and is preserved in the Alderdice Archive.]

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC4

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC4

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

These minutes will be re-issued as amended. [Editor's Note: Both documents are not discussed again, so we assume the amended versions were accepted by all parties.]

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC5

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC5

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

[Editor's Note: Both documents are not discussed again, so we assume the amended versions were accepted by all parties.]

Sub-Committee Press Release

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

Sub-Committee Press Release

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

[Editor's Note: The press release was agreed by all parties.]

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC6

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC6

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

Revised versions of these minutes are attached.

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC7

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC7

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

[Editor's Note: All documents are not discussed again, so we assume the amended versions were accepted by all parties.]

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC8

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC8

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

[Editor's Note: All documents are not discussed again, so we assume the amended versions were accepted by all parties.]

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC9

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC9

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

[Editor's Note: All documents are not discussed again, so we assume the amended versions were accepted by all parties.]

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC10

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

Structures Sub-Committee Minutes SC10

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

[Editor's Note: All documents are not discussed again, so we assume the amended versions were accepted by all parties.]

New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 05 Jun 1992, 10:00

New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

[Editor's Note: This is the version of the report agreed on 10 June and included in the report of the Sub-Committee of that date as Annex A.]

Media Release: Expression of Sympathy on Carrickfergus Coach Crash

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 05 Jun 1992, 10:00

Media Release: Expression of Sympathy on Carrickfergus Coach Crash

People: DUP Representative British Government Representative SDLP Representative UUP Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 05 Jun 1992, 10:00

[Editor's Note: 'The meeting agreed'.]

Westminster Links Sub-Group Report

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 08 Jun 1992, 09:00

Westminster Links Sub-Group Report

People: John Chilcot

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

[Editor's Note: This is the version of the report agreed on 10 June and included in the report of the Sub-Committee of that date as Annex D.]

Sub-Committee Report

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

Sub-Committee Report

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

[Editor's Note: This is the version of the covering statement agreed to on 10 June and included in the final Sub-Committee report of that date.]

Code of Practice

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

Code of Practice

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

[Editor's Note: This is the version of the Code of Practice paper agreed on 10 June and included in the report of the Sub-Committee of that date as Annex B (including Annexes B1 and B2).]

Relations between New Institutions and the European Community

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

Relations between New Institutions and the European Community

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

[Editor's Note: The following paper is agreed on 10 June and included in the final report as Annex E. Without records of the Sub-Group meetings, it is unclear precisely when or by whom it was produced.]

Human Rights, a Bill of Rights and Cultural Expression and Diversity

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 16 Jun 1992, 18:30

Human Rights, a Bill of Rights and Cultural Expression and Diversity

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 16 Jun 1992, 18:30

[Editor's Note: 'their draft reports were agreed at a full sub-Committee meeting in late afternoon'.]

Financial Arrangements for New Institutions

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 16 Jun 1992, 18:30

Financial Arrangements for New Institutions

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 16 Jun 1992, 18:30

[Editor's Note: 'their draft reports were agreed at a full sub-Committee meeting in late afternoon'.]

Papers on Institutional Structures

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 12 May 1992, 10:30

Papers on Institutional Structures

Terms of Reference for Sub-Committee (26 May 1992)

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 27 May 1992, 10:30

Terms of Reference for Sub-Committee (26 May 1992)

Proposals for Breaking Impasse: Go Straight to Strand II

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 27 May 1992, 10:30

Proposals for Breaking Impasse: Go Straight to Strand II

People: SDLP Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 29 May 1992, 10:30

(d) go straight to Strand II, favoured by the SDLP who tabled a paper on the subject (copy attached at Annex A); [Editor's Note: Since a new paper is tabled, this proposal appears to stay on the table.]

Proposals for Breaking Impasse: Robinson Approach

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 27 May 1992, 10:30

Proposals for Breaking Impasse: Robinson Approach

People: Peter Robinson

SDLP Paper: Progressing Beyond Strand I

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 29 May 1992, 10:30

SDLP Paper: Progressing Beyond Strand I

People: SDLP Representative

The Role of a Head of Department 1 June 1992

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 01 Jun 1992, 12:30

The Role of a Head of Department 1 June 1992

Checklist of Points Touched on in the Sub-Committee 1 June 1992

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 05 Jun 1992, 10:00

Checklist of Points Touched on in the Sub-Committee 1 June 1992

HMG Papers for Sub-Committee on Finance, EC, Human Rights and Legislative Procedures

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 05 Jun 1992, 10:00

HMG Papers for Sub-Committee on Finance, EC, Human Rights and Legislative Procedures

HMG Code of Practice Paper

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 05 Jun 1992, 10:00

HMG Code of Practice Paper

HMG Westminster Links Paper

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 05 Jun 1992, 10:00

HMG Westminster Links Paper

Annotated Agenda for the Westminster Links Sub-Committee

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 08 Jun 1992, 09:00

Annotated Agenda for the Westminster Links Sub-Committee

HMG Code of Practice Supplementary Paper

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 08 Jun 1992, 09:00

HMG Code of Practice Supplementary Paper

Pre-Briefing for Sub-Committee Meetings on 9 June

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 09 Jun 1992, 09:00

Pre-Briefing for Sub-Committee Meetings on 9 June

HMG Paper: Ensuring an Appropriate, Fair and Significant Role for Representatives of All Main Traditions

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

HMG Paper: Ensuring an Appropriate, Fair and Significant Role for Representatives of All Main Traditions

People: British Government Representative

Alliance Paper: Weighted Majorities and Thresholds

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

Alliance Paper: Weighted Majorities and Thresholds

People: Alliance Representative

SDLP Paper: A Possible Form of Weighted Voting

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

SDLP Paper: A Possible Form of Weighted Voting

People: SDLP Representative

DUP Paper: Weighted Majorities and Thresholds

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

DUP Paper: Weighted Majorities and Thresholds

People: DUP Representative

UUP Paper: Possible Safeguard Mechanisms

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

UUP Paper: Possible Safeguard Mechanisms

People: UUP Representative

Alliance Proposals for a New System of Government

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 12 May 1992, 10:30

Alliance Proposals for a New System of Government

People: Seamus Close

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

[Editor's Note: The position papers were then discussed alongside the sub-committee report in 18th June Plenary.]

SDLP Paper 'Agreeing New Political Structures'

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 12 May 1992, 10:30

SDLP Paper 'Agreeing New Political Structures'

People: SDLP Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

[Editor's Note: The position papers were then discussed alongside the sub-committee report in 18th June Plenary.]

UUP Paper 'Arrangements for the Internal Government and Administration of Northern Ireland'

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

UUP Paper 'Arrangements for the Internal Government and Administration of Northern Ireland'

People: UUP Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

[Editor's Note: The position papers were then discussed alongside the sub-committee report in 18th June Plenary.]

DUP Paper 'A Sure Advance'

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

DUP Paper 'A Sure Advance'

People: DUP Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 15 May 1992, 11:35

[Editor's Note: The position papers were then discussed alongside the sub-committee report in 18th June Plenary.]

Report from the Sub-Committee Established on 11 May

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

Report from the Sub-Committee Established on 11 May

People: British Government Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 13 May 1992, 10:35

It was agreed this would form the provisional report back of the sub-Committee to the Plenary session on Friday morning.

Identifying the Obstacles

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 27 May 1992, 10:30

Identifying the Obstacles

Getting Round the Obstacles 27.05.1992 18:15

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 27 May 1992, 10:30

Getting Round the Obstacles 27.05.1992 18:15

People: David Fell

Sub-Committee Proposals 29 May 1992 18.25

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 29 May 1992, 10:30

Sub-Committee Proposals 29 May 1992 18.25

People: Alliance Representative DUP Representative SDLP Representative UUP Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 29 May 1992, 10:30

[Editor's Note: The edited version of the report is circulated.]

Checklist of Points Touched on in the Sub-Committee 1 June 1992

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 01 Jun 1992, 12:30

Checklist of Points Touched on in the Sub-Committee 1 June 1992

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 01 Jun 1992, 12:30

[Editor's note: This document appears in D J R Hill's 4 June briefing notes for the 5 June Sub-Committee meeting.]

New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 01 Jun 1992, 12:30

New Political Institutions in Northern Ireland

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 03 Jun 1992, 10:00

[Editor's Note: The paper is available to delegates at the plenary meeting.]

Annotated Agenda for the Westminster Links Sub-Committee

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 05 Jun 1992, 10:00

Annotated Agenda for the Westminster Links Sub-Committee

People: British Government Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 05 Jun 1992, 10:00

[Editor's Note: Mr Hill's paper is created here as a blank document which will be referred to the Office of the Secretary of State to be completed and returned to the Sub-Committee.]

HMG Code of Practice Supplementary Paper

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 05 Jun 1992, 10:00

HMG Code of Practice Supplementary Paper

People: British Government Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 05 Jun 1992, 10:00

[Editor's Note: The proposed paper on the issue of 'captive chairmen' is referred out to be written by Mr Bell.]

Messages from the DUP, UUP and Alliance to the Secretary of State Regarding Perceived Intransigence of the SDLP

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 08 Jun 1992, 09:00

Messages from the DUP, UUP and Alliance to the Secretary of State Regarding Perceived Intransigence of the SDLP

People: DUP Representative Alliance Representative UUP Representative

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 08 Jun 1992, 09:00

[Editor's Note: The letters have been received at the time the minute is written on 9 June.]

Sub-Committee Report 10 June 1992

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

Sub-Committee Report 10 June 1992

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 10 Jun 1992, 09:00

[Editor's Note: The compiled report is made to the Plenary meeting.]

Sub-Committee Report (16 June 1992)

Creator event:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 16 Jun 1992, 18:30

Sub-Committee Report (16 June 1992)

Last decision:

Northern Ireland Brooke–Mayhew Multi-Party Talks, 1991–1992, Date: 16 Jun 1992, 18:30

[Editor's Note: The Sub-Committee report was then sent to Plenary as a follow up to the 10 June Sub-Committee report.]