This time round in the political discussions it really is the last chance, and it's take it or leave it time for everybody - according to Alliance deputy leader Eileen Bell.
Mrs Bell, above, was speaking during the political affairs debate which passed a motion calling on the British and Irish governments and the parties to reach a shared agreement in an open and inclusive manner that restores devolution on a stable and durable basis.
She said the time had come for a bit of plain speaking and clear action, so that the people of Northern Ireland can finally witness their representatives working for the common good.
The North Down assembly member urged the parties to seek to achieve a stable, durable and fully democratic governmental mechanism and put their own selfish interests behind them. "The two governments have to act as clear persuaders to all the participants, including the anti-agreement camp, by making it abundantly obvious that any solution arrived at must be for the benefit of all, not just those who have private armies, or marching organisations which block our streets over 3,000 times a year," she said.
Mrs Bell said that Gerry Adams and his party had to accept democracy without an army as the only way forward.
"The IRA is not needed or wanted and is a block to progress. I say to the IRA your words are fine but actions speak louder than words. Disarm now, not next week, not next month. The message is the same to loyalist paramilitaries... disarm now... stop telling the IRA what they should be doing and do it yourselves. Allow all of us to enjoy a life free from fear and intimidation." She said a major issue at the moment was that of sanctions and the Ulster Unionists must realise that any sanctions put into the system are to deal with the transgression of anybody and any member and not just as a tool for them to get at Sinn Féin.
Seconding the motion, Alliance chief whip Kieran McCarthy said he deplored a situation where dour unionists and stubborn republicans adopted a 'not an inch' position, and acted like youngsters. He said they should grasp the enormous opportunities for the people of Northern Ireland. If real progress was not made soon, he said, the global goodwill towards Northern Ireland could evaporate. Alliance president Colm Cavanagh said party members had to work to create a peaceful, prosperous and open minded society, firstly for their own good, but also to demonstrate that politics can work. He said the forthcoming assembly election would be very important in attempting to expand the centre ground in Northern Ireland politics.
