live from belfast, this is bbc news. joe biden promises to listen to northern ireland's leaders as he meets british prime minister rishi sunak on the 25th anniversary of the good friday agreement. in the next hour, president biden is due to speak here at ulster university in belfast. we will bring you that live. our other main story: elon musk tells the bbc he is confident twitter�*s advertisers will return

and he can make the company profitable once again but that it hasn't been easy. it's been really quite a stressful situation over the last several months. not an easy one. but apart from the pain, i mean, so it's been quite painful. we are expecting president biden to arrive here as you'll see university soon and to address students inside. we have spoken to them already today. a huge sense of anticipation inside the university, it is not often that you have a president in town and is the world spotlight on your country. a lot of expectation around what he will say, the words he will use today. we know he will talk about the good friday agreement, 25 years since that was signed, but there will be lots of people looking at the language that

he uses, because, of course, there is no power—sharing at stormont here in northern ireland. that is something that, we understand he is hoping to address when he meets political leaders here today. the rain and wind has gone, it has been a lovely morning here in belfast, where he is meeting with by minister rishi sunak in his hotel. we have some pictures of that meeting between the two leaders at the grand central hotel. the main thing from president biden, he didn't take many questions at all, but he said that he was here to listen. it was not called a bilateral meeting today, but a bilatte meeting. we can see them there. we don't know whether it was a tea or coffee. we can show you a live picture we have from outside the hotel as well. lots of security here in belfast, as you can imagine.

notjust here in belfast, as you can imagine. not just local law here in belfast, as you can imagine. notjust local law enforcement and not just local law enforcement and police notjust local law enforcement and police officers, but also the secret service who are here from america. so live pictures coming to as as we follow president biden on this trip to northern ireland. let's bring in the bbc�*s northern ireland correspondence, chris page. what did you make of the bilatte meeting, chris? it you make of the bilatte meeting, chfis? you make of the bilatte meeting, chris? ., ~' , you make of the bilatte meeting, chris? ., ~ , ., chris? it felt low-key in nature, that was to _ chris? it felt low-key in nature, that was to be _ chris? it felt low-key in nature, that was to be expected. - chris? it felt low-key in nature, that was to be expected. this . chris? it felt low-key in nature, that was to be expected. this is chris? it felt low-key in nature, i that was to be expected. this is a short visit by president biden to this part of the uk. he arrives late last night. he has taken the time to hold talks with rishi sunak this morning. then, he is on his way here, for his only public engagement, at ulster university. so, i think that as regards the meeting between rishi sunak and president biden. rishi sunak and his officials have been saying that as far as they are concerned, this is not a low—key visit. it is the

presence of the united states visiting a part of the united kingdom. so, it'll be interesting to hearfrom the prime minister kingdom. so, it'll be interesting to hear from the prime minister what was discussed. we know that something that will be raised between the two leaders is the brexit arrangement for northern ireland, that rishi sunak has recently negotiated with the eu. the deal known as the windsor framework, that many hope will lift the roadblock on power—sharing at stormont. roadblock on power-sharing at stormont-— roadblock on power-sharing at stormont. . , ., , ., stormont. there are people here who are u set stormont. there are people here who are upset over _ stormont. there are people here who are upset over the _ stormont. there are people here who are upset over the brevity _ stormont. there are people here who are upset over the brevity of - stormont. there are people here who are upset over the brevity of the - are upset over the brevity of the visit. some people are saying it is a snob, or simply saying that it is a snob, or simply saying that it is a wasted opportunity. —— that it is a wasted opportunity. —— that it is a snob. a wasted opportunity. -- that it is a snob. ., ., , , ., �* a snob. the regional set up, that'll set u- a snob. the regional set up, that'll set up under _ a snob. the regional set up, that'll set up under the _ a snob. the regional set up, that'll set up under the good _ a snob. the regional set up, that'll set up under the good friday - set up under the good friday agreement 25 years ago is not operating well. many wish that it was. if that were the case, perhaps prisoners biden would be going to stormont, to address all editions from all sides together. ——

president biden. other people are saying that may be for a place that is the size of the us state of connecticut, this place perhaps get a lot of attention. this is the seventh visit by a us president. not many places around the world to get to see one that frequently.— to see one that frequently. people sa that to see one that frequently. people say that words _ to see one that frequently. people say that words really _ to see one that frequently. people say that words really matter - to see one that frequently. people say that words really matter in - say that words really matter in northern ireland, and they have for years. there is a lot of focus on what words prisoners biden will use. i'm sure they will have been poured over. —— president biden. what do you think people will be hoping to hear here from the unionist side? historically, unionists have been more cautious about the us president then a nationalist. they are looking at powerful lobbying groups in the us lobbying for a united ireland. so i think they will certainly want to

hear president biden reaffirm his impartiality about regarding the future status of northern ireland. that big constitutional question that really still hangs here. should northern ireland be part of the united kingdom or part of the republic of ireland? but i think all sides will be looking for a pledge of economic support. that is one thing that all will agree on, looking back since the anniversary of the good friday agreement, that economic aspect is essential for keeping the peace.— economic aspect is essential for keeping the peace. thank you for “oininu keeping the peace. thank you for joining us- _ keeping the peace. thank you for joining us- we — keeping the peace. thank you for joining us. we are _ keeping the peace. thank you for joining us. we are looking - keeping the peace. thank you for joining us. we are looking at - keeping the peace. thank you for. joining us. we are looking at those live pictures from outside the hotel. but the attention will move here to ulster university in the next little while, and we will bring that address by president biden, live when it happens on bbc news. so with us. we have to bring up to date with another big story today. james

goater managed to snag an interview with elon musk, who told him that his takeover of twitter was painful and quite a roller—coaster. in a live interview, he defended his sacking of most of twitter�*s 8,000 staff, saying the company would have gone bankrupt otherwise. mr musk, a multi—billionaire, said he would sell twitter if the right person came along, and it was now "roughly breaking even." it was an absolutely fascinating interview, and we are bringing you excerpts throughout the day. there's a lot going on, so this might be a good opportunity to answer some questions. and, you know, i guess, maybe get some feedback. and, you know, i guess maybe get some feedback. what should we be doing different? i know the bbc were not thrilled about being labelled state affiliated media. n ot exa ctly. i was going to get to that later

but let's get to that now, it has officially objected to that term. yeah, we want to be as truthful and accurate as possible, so i think we are adjusting the label to be publicly funded, which i think perhaps is not too objectionable. we are trying to be accurate. i am not the bbc, but... publicly funded is how the bbc describes itself. so that would be accurate. if we use the same words the bbc uses to describe itself, presumably that would be ok. i'm not asking you for a yes or no since you are not running the bbc per se, it probably seems to pass a reasonable test. so you are going to change the labels on the bbc twitter feed and npr? yeah, publicly funded. basically, we are trying to be as accurate as possible.

all right, fine. almost immediately, you fired a lot of twitter employees, and i spoke to them. what they said was that it felt quite haphazard, and a little bit uncaring. i wouldn't say uncaring. the issue is that the company will go bankrupt if we do not cut costs immediately. this is not about caring or not caring, if the whole ship sinks, nobody will have a job. you let go of a lot of staff and started making some policy decisions. one of those decisions was to bring donald trump back. he hasn't actually tweeted yet. do you expect him to come back? have you spoken to him? i haven't spoken to him. he may or may not come back. the point is that twitter should be

a town square that gives equal voice to the whole country and, ideally, the whole world. it should not be a partisan politics... moreover, partisan politics that are on the very far left of the spectrum. san francisco, berkeley politics normally is quite niche. twitter effectively acted as a megaphone for very niche regional politics and megaphoned that to the world. so in order for something to serve as a digital town square, it must serve people from all political persuasions... free speech is meaningless unless you allow people you don't like to say things that you don't like. otherwise, it is irrelevant. at the point at which you lose free speech, it doesn't come back. i think the issue some people have is a lot of people were brought back.

some people were brought back who were previously banned for spreading things like qanon conspiracies. you had people like andrew tate brought back who were previously banned for things like hate speech. do you think you prioritise freedom of speech over misinformation and hate speech? who is to say that something is misinformation? who is the arbiter of that? is it the bbc? are you literally asking me? you are the arbiter on twitter, because you own twitter. who is to say that one person's misinformation is another person's information. who is going to decide that? but you accept that misinformation can be dangerous and cause real world harm? the bbc itself has, at times, published things that

are false. do you agree that that has occurred? i am quite sure that the bbc has said things before that turn out to not be true in its 100—year history, i am quite sure. even if you aspire to be accurate, there are times where you will not be. in the grand scheme of things, the bbc does aspire to be accurate. but you accept that there has to be a line in terms of hate speech? you are not looking at 100% unrestricted free speech? i am generally of the opinion that if the people of a given country are against a certain type of speech, they should speak to their elected representatives and pass a law to prevent it. are really remarkable and insightful interview there with elon musk. you can find more on the bbc website, with some ports from james on the process of interviewing him. but let's go back to live events in

belfast. the beast has left at the hotel here in belfast, making its way to ulster university. it is a huge entourage, with a lot of security travelling with any us president when they arrive. we have seen a heavy police presence across belfast over the last few days as well. you can see some crowd that had gathered to see the motorcade driving by. different views here in belfast about the president's visit. it is interesting speaking to people, the wide range of views you get about the visit. what have people been saying to you, charlotte?— people been saying to you, charlotte? , ., , charlotte? some people are very excited. charlotte? some people are very excited- you _ charlotte? some people are very excited. you have _ charlotte? some people are very excited. you have seen - charlotte? some people are very excited. you have seen people . charlotte? some people are very i excited. you have seen people with us flags by the hotels, some near the university here today. they really want to see the us president. and they are excited not so much

just for what the visit will do to politics in northern ireland, but just the idea that the us president is in town. and how often does that happen? other people say that he is only here for less than a day. he is coming and going. and they are seeing it as any normal day. interestingly, i bumped into a few americans who are here on holiday, and had no idea that president biden was coming to northern ireland and the republic. and they said they would try to come down and see him, because even though they live in the united states, they had never seen him. there is a mix of views here. i think with the political situation, people are quite resigns at the moment that doesn't seem to be a breakthrough on the cards anytime soon. so they think that why would joe biden meeting the party leaders make any difference? it is good for northern ireland, because it would sit on the world stage, and is the worlds media is here, and they can see how much northern ireland is changed in the past 25 years. in some ways it is unrecognisable, and thatis some ways it is unrecognisable, and that is a good thing. but politically, the impact this visit will have, they are not so sure.

chris, very few words from president biden so far, he said he was here to listen, and when he left washington, he said he would try to keep the peace, he would keep his fingers crossed. so we will be watching the words he finally speaks at the university behind is very closely. but one of the reasons he is here, is to remember these past 25 years, and that historic moment when the good friday agreement was signed. one of the centrepieces of the agreement was power—sharing. can you remind us why we don't have power—sharing? remind us why we don't have power-sharing?— remind us why we don't have power-sharing? remind us why we don't have ower-sharina ? ., ., ., , power-sharing? northern ireland has a s stem power-sharing? northern ireland has a system of — power-sharing? northern ireland has a system of government _ power-sharing? northern ireland has a system of government that - power-sharing? northern ireland has a system of government that is - power-sharing? northern ireland has a system of government that is very. a system of government that is very unlike _ a system of government that is very unlike nearly every other part of the world — unlike nearly every other part of the world. it is a power—sharing coalition, — the world. it is a power—sharing coalition, made of up unionists, those _ coalition, made of up unionists, those who— coalition, made of up unionists, those who want to keep northern ireiand _ those who want to keep northern ireiand in— those who want to keep northern ireland in the uk nationalist, those whose _ ireland in the uk nationalist, those whose ultimate goal is for northern ireiand _ whose ultimate goal is for northern ireiand to _ whose ultimate goal is for northern ireland to leave the united kingdom and become part of the republic of ireiand~ _ and become part of the republic of ireland. and in orderfora coatition— ireland. and in orderfora coalition to be formed at all, the largest— coalition to be formed at all, the largest parties from either sides, how to _ largest parties from either sides, how to agree to go into government togethen _ how to agree to go into government together. that, in effect, gives one

side or— together. that, in effect, gives one side or the — together. that, in effect, gives one side or the other a veto over power—sharing happening. so is the moment, _ power—sharing happening. so is the moment, the dup, which is the biggest — moment, the dup, which is the biggest unionist group, are refusing tojoin_ biggest unionist group, are refusing tojoin a _ biggest unionist group, are refusing tojoin a coalition, in protest against _ tojoin a coalition, in protest against the pricks of trading arrangements for northern ireland. in arrangements for northern ireland. in essence, — arrangements for northern ireland. in essence, there was a deal struck. -- the _ in essence, there was a deal struck. -- the brexit— in essence, there was a deal struck. —— the brexit trading arrangements. this deal_ —— the brexit trading arrangements. this deal is— brexit was resulting in checks on any goods— brexit was resulting in checks on any goods coming into northern ireiand, — any goods coming into northern ireland, and the aim of this deal was to— ireland, and the aim of this deal was to remove that, but the dup are saying _ was to remove that, but the dup are saying that _ was to remove that, but the dup are saying that that damages northern irelands— saying that that damages northern ireland's position within the united kingdom, — ireland's position within the united kingdom, and are not allowing a power—sharing deal at the moment. what _ power—sharing deal at the moment. what would it take to get them on board again? the what would it take to get them on board again?— board again? the british and irish governments. _ board again? the british and irish governments, and _ board again? the british and irish governments, and the _ board again? the british and irish governments, and the european i board again? the british and irish - governments, and the european union, and the _ governments, and the european union, and the biden illustration are hoping — and the biden illustration are hoping that a new deal would make a difference, _ hoping that a new deal would make a difference, that deal is good to the

windsor— difference, that deal is good to the windsor framework, which was announced by rishi sunak and ursula von der_ announced by rishi sunak and ursula von der leyen a few weeks ago. the aim is— von der leyen a few weeks ago. the aim is to _ von der leyen a few weeks ago. the aim is to smooth trades between great _ aim is to smooth trades between great britain and northern ireland. for example, there will be green lanes, _ for example, there will be green lanes, as — for example, there will be green lanes, as it— for example, there will be green lanes, as it is known for goods, that'll— lanes, as it is known for goods, that'll be — lanes, as it is known for goods, that'll be arriving in northern ireiand, _ that'll be arriving in northern ireland, and just staying here, not travelling — ireland, and just staying here, not travelling into the republic of ireiand, — travelling into the republic of ireland, the eu's single market. so, no checks— ireland, the eu's single market. so, no checks on— ireland, the eu's single market. so, no checks on goods moving within the uk, that— no checks on goods moving within the uk, that is— no checks on goods moving within the uk, that is basically what the british— uk, that is basically what the british and irish government, and the eu _ british and irish government, and the eu is— british and irish government, and the eu is offering for the dup. the dup say— the eu is offering for the dup. the dup say they are looking at the detail— dup say they are looking at the detail of— dup say they are looking at the detail of that, and they want to be satisfied _ detail of that, and they want to be satisfied that northern ireland's place _ satisfied that northern ireland's place in — satisfied that northern ireland's place in the united kingdom is fully restored, _ place in the united kingdom is fully restored, no more economic barriers. it restored, no more economic barriers. it could _ restored, no more economic barriers. it could he _ restored, no more economic barriers. it could he a — restored, no more economic barriers. it could be a good few weeks, or months. — it could be a good few weeks, or months, before they give the decision— months, before they give the decision on whether that windsor framework is enough. but decision on whether that windsor framework is enough.— decision on whether that windsor framework is enough. but it is also movin: framework is enough. but it is also moving into — framework is enough. but it is also moving into a _ framework is enough. but it is also moving into a period _ framework is enough. but it is also moving into a period of— framework is enough. but it is also moving into a period of low- moving into a period of low collections, and that makes a difference. collections, and that makes a difference-— collections, and that makes a difference. ., . ., , , difference. -- local elections. this tends to be _ difference. -- local elections. this tends to be a _ difference. -- local elections. this tends to be a time _ difference. -- local elections. this tends to be a time where - difference. -- local elections. this tends to be a time where parties l tends to be a time where parties don't _ tends to be a time where parties don't compromise, and rich street to

their established positions. —— retreat — their established positions. —— retreat to— their established positions. —— retreat to their established positions. retreat to their established positions-— retreat to their established ositions. .,. , ., retreat to their established ositions. , ., ., positions. solace, when you have soken positions. solace, when you have spoken to — positions. solace, when you have spoken to people. _ positions. solace, when you have spoken to people, what - positions. solace, when you have spoken to people, what is - positions. solace, when you have spoken to people, what is their i spoken to people, what is their level of frustration were politicians right now? ifind it interesting to talk to people on the streets, they care about people that all people around the world care about right now, cost of living, education, health, and they are really frustrated. that is what they told me. , �* , really frustrated. that is what they toldme. , ~ , told me. fed up. angry. i probably can't repeat— told me. fed up. angry. i probably can't repeat the — told me. fed up. angry. i probably can't repeat the words _ told me. fed up. angry. i probably can't repeat the words a _ told me. fed up. angry. i probably can't repeat the words a lot - told me. fed up. angry. i probably can't repeat the words a lot of - can't repeat the words a lot of people have said to me about what they think about politicians here. i was speaking to one man early run, who said i'm not surprised that resident biden is not going to stormont, what is the point, nobody will be hurt. —— president biden. there is this real frustration that politicians here are still claiming their salary, and getting paid, but power—sharing hasn't been here since last february. so there is a great deal of frustration, they feel that decisions aren't being made that affect their lives on a daily basis.

even things like people in the uk got support of their energy bills, in england's and scotland that all pretty quickly, in northern ireland, it took a long time for that good to come into force. people are angry, saying why are we being treated differently? there is that frustration, but people seem pretty resigns at the moment, thinking that things will not change for a long time. , ., ., i. things will not change for a long time. , ., ., y., 4' things will not change for a long time. , ., ., i. ~ ., time. chris, how do you think that some of you _ time. chris, how do you think that some of you president _ time. chris, how do you think that some of you president biden - time. chris, how do you think that | some of you president biden here, given how proud he has of his irish roots. is there a sense from some that he can't be an honest broker, even though he is hoping to be? that thatis even though he is hoping to be? that that is just not possible. i even though he is hoping to be? that that isjust not possible.— that is 'ust not possible. i think it is that isjust not possible. i think it is fair to _ that isjust not possible. i think it is fair to say _ that isjust not possible. i think it is fair to say that _ that isjust not possible. i think it is fair to say that people - that isjust not possible. i think| it is fair to say that people from the irish— it is fair to say that people from the irish nationalist community are more _ the irish nationalist community are more if— the irish nationalist community are more if you stick about joe the irish nationalist community are more if you stick aboutjoe biden's presents _ more if you stick aboutjoe biden's presents then the unionist. unionist typically— presents then the unionist. unionist typically haven't been so enthusiastic about us involvement in northern— enthusiastic about us involvement in northern ireland. they would see the

presence _ northern ireland. they would see the presence of— northern ireland. they would see the presence of lobbying groups on capitoi— presence of lobbying groups on capitol hill, senior american politicians who also talk about their _ politicians who also talk about their irish ancestral roots as meaning _ their irish ancestral roots as meaning that they have a hostile political — meaning that they have a hostile political culture there to the poiitics _ political culture there to the politics of unionism. but we have seen, _ politics of unionism. but we have seen. over— politics of unionism. but we have seen, overthe politics of unionism. but we have seen, over the years, politics of unionism. but we have seen, overthe years, some politics of unionism. but we have seen, over the years, some shifts. for e>

underline — speech ulster university, that will underline this role of being impartial. | underline this role of being impartial-— underline this role of being im artial. ~' , ., ,., , impartial. i think they will also be lookin: impartial. i think they will also be looking out _ impartial. i think they will also be looking out for _ impartial. i think they will also be looking out for any _ impartial. i think they will also be looking out for any economic - looking out for any economic incentives that might be on offer, and is it interesting that our american editor sarah smith was just as a conference with the national security council's director, and she asked, do they think it is necessary for the devolved government to be up and running, in orderto for the devolved government to be up and running, in order to access that economic development, is it a prerequisite that there is a government before they can be economic assistance? a lot of people will look but also be asking whether this can be used as a carrot. and i think the answer was that they won't be putting any preconditions on it, there is a need for support and development here. the business leaders are looking for that, stability and certainty, but they would also like some more money and investment here.— investment here. absolutely. if there is agreement _ investment here. absolutely. if there is agreement on - investment here. absolutely. if there is agreement on anything amongst — there is agreement on anything amongst politicians in northern ireiand, — amongst politicians in northern ireiand, it — amongst politicians in northern ireland, it is that the economic prosperity— ireland, it is that the economic prosperity shared between all communities is important to keep building _ communities is important to keep building peace. it is important to

note _ building peace. it is important to note that — building peace. it is important to note that dysfunction is nothing new in fact, _ note that dysfunction is nothing new in fact, power—sharing arrangements have been_ in fact, power—sharing arrangements have been down for more than ten years _ have been down for more than ten years. there have been various crises — years. there have been various crises caused by various factors. in the past, _ crises caused by various factors. in the past, we — crises caused by various factors. in the past, we have seen the government in london saying that if it is a _ government in london saying that if it is a more — government in london saying that if it is a more stable footing, there will he _ it is a more stable footing, there will be more economic assistance. so it is a _ will be more economic assistance. so it is a tactic— will be more economic assistance. so it is a tactic that they have used here _ it is a tactic that they have used here to — it is a tactic that they have used here to edge people towards more stability _ here to edge people towards more stability. but also, as expressed by the white _ stability. but also, as expressed by the white house, they have says that in order— the white house, they have says that in order for— the white house, they have says that in order for northern ireland to prosper— in order for northern ireland to prosper and be in peace, there has to he _ prosper and be in peace, there has to he more — prosper and be in peace, there has to be more economic support,. | to be more economic support,. would also to be more economic support,. i would also like to bring in writer and editor david mccann at slugger o'toole, which is a political website. also sarah creighton. the two arejoining us here now. sarah, i hope you have been able to hear the conversation so far. i wonder

what your expectations of this visit and speech will be from president biden. what would you like to hear? i think that reallyjoe biden, he is not coming to northern ireland as an impartial broker. he has seen as being much more sympathetic to the remain parties of northern ireland, then the unionist parties. i think you can use this opportunity to show that he can listen to everyone. i do think some people at northern ireland will be hoping that he will be going back to stormont. but i think that's the reality is that he won't be able to do very much. i think that is visit will come and 90, think that is visit will come and go, and he will go down to the south and it be it. but i think that's really, there is a lot of talk about economic opportunities for northern ireland. i think there is a lot of scepticism about that in northern ireland, as well, about whether those economic opportunities can be realised, the economic investment from the us. i think that for many

it is quite sad, this anniversary, so maybejoe biden will speak on the fact that we don't have any functioning institutions and government in northern ireland at such a difficult time.— government in northern ireland at such a difficult time. david, i hope ou are such a difficult time. david, i hope you are also _ such a difficult time. david, i hope you are also with _ such a difficult time. david, i hope you are also with us. _ such a difficult time. david, i hope you are also with us. what - such a difficult time. david, i hope you are also with us. what are - such a difficult time. david, i hope | you are also with us. what are your thoughts, given that we have just been hearing from chris, that we are now entering an election period here in northern ireland. do you think that means that the dup is already out of reach forjoe biden? lode that means that the dup is already out of reach forjoe biden?- out of reach forjoe biden? we are 'ust 36 out of reach forjoe biden? we are just 36 days _ out of reach forjoe biden? we are just 36 days away _ out of reach forjoe biden? we are just 36 days away from _ out of reach forjoe biden? we are just 36 days away from our - out of reach forjoe biden? we are just 36 days away from our local. just 36 days away from our local elections — just 36 days away from our local elections here in northern ireland. the elections herein northern ireland. the dup_ elections here in northern ireland. the dup will be very firmly focused on that _ the dup will be very firmly focused on that. they have many council candidates — on that. they have many council candidates out there, and they will be candidates out there, and they will he going _ candidates out there, and they will be going to deny kerry back from unionist — be going to deny kerry back from unionist voters about their concerns on the _ unionist voters about their concerns on the windsor framework and protocol — on the windsor framework and protocol. and that'll be on the top of his— protocol. and that'll be on the top of his agenda. i think that this visit _ of his agenda. i think that this visit will— of his agenda. i think that this visit will come and go. i think the joe biden— visit will come and go. i think the joe biden recognises that. he is in

putting _ joe biden recognises that. he is in putting a _ joe biden recognises that. he is in putting a lot of attention here, because — putting a lot of attention here, because he knows that the potential of a us— because he knows that the potential of a us presidential visit overshooting the runway, putting too much _ overshooting the runway, putting too much pressure onjeffrey donaldson, who was— much pressure onjeffrey donaldson, who was trying to put a fine balance on the _ who was trying to put a fine balance on the windsor framework and the demands— on the windsor framework and the demands of his party to go back into the executive. but also, some of the other— the executive. but also, some of the other parts— the executive. but also, some of the other parts of his party aren't too keen_ other parts of his party aren't too keen to _ other parts of his party aren't too keen to go — other parts of his party aren't too keen to go back in. so, it's too much — keen to go back in. so, it's too much pressure from the united states. — much pressure from the united states, could end up putting too much _ states, could end up putting too much on — states, could end up putting too much on jeffrey donaldson, because he has _ much on jeffrey donaldson, because he has a _ much on jeffrey donaldson, because he has a very fine balance to walk here _ he has a very fine balance to walk here i_ he has a very fine balance to walk here. i wouldn't place a lot of emphasis _ here. i wouldn't place a lot of emphasis on the fact that joe biden will come _ emphasis on the fact that joe biden will come and say anything remarkable in this speech. not to totally— remarkable in this speech. not to totally downplay it, because i think thatjoe _ totally downplay it, because i think thatjoe biden will want totally downplay it, because i think that joe biden will want to take off the major— that joe biden will want to take off the major success from a democratic president. _ the major success from a democratic president, bill clinton, 25 years ago _ president, bill clinton, 25 years ago and — president, bill clinton, 25 years ago. and he will want to mark that. but certainly the emphasis of this trip here — but certainly the emphasis of this trip here is on the south, and his

ancestors — trip here is on the south, and his ancestors. also noting the success of one _ ancestors. also noting the success of one of— ancestors. also noting the success of one of his key allies, bill clinton, _ of one of his key allies, bill clinton, 25 years ago. would you sa , clinton, 25 years ago. would you say. david. _ clinton, 25 years ago. would you say. david. the _ clinton, 25 years ago. would you say, david, the jeffrey _ clinton, 25 years ago. would you | say, david, the jeffrey donaldson say, david, thejeffrey donaldson has backed himself into a corner? key is any tough spot, because the british— key is any tough spot, because the british government has says there will he _ british government has says there will he no — british government has says there will be no further renegotiation of the windsor framework. that is much the windsor framework. that is much the sense _ the windsor framework. that is much the sense from the european commission as well. there isn't an awful— commission as well. there isn't an awful lot _ commission as well. there isn't an awful lot of— commission as well. there isn't an awful lot of time to revisit this, they— awful lot of time to revisit this, they have — awful lot of time to revisit this, they have pushed this as far as they can go _ they have pushed this as far as they can go but — they have pushed this as far as they can go. butjeffrey they have pushed this as far as they can go. but jeffrey donaldson does have something he can get. he could leveraged _ have something he can get. he could leveraged the british government some _ leveraged the british government some guarantees about an overnight in's place _ some guarantees about an overnight in's place within the union. they could _ in's place within the union. they could do— in's place within the union. they could do that within the context and orbit of— could do that within the context and orbit of the — could do that within the context and orbit of the windsor framework. i think— orbit of the windsor framework. i think that — orbit of the windsor framework. i think that is what jeffrey donaldson is hanging out for, he is a devolutionist, he believes in the devolved — devolutionist, he believes in the devolved institutions. and whilst they would be going back into the devolved — they would be going back into the devolved institutions in a diminished capacity, the dup are the second _ diminished capacity, the dup are the second biggest party in northern ireland, — second biggest party in northern ireland, whether used to be the first cup~ — ireland, whether used to be the first cup~ i— ireland, whether used to be the first cup. i think he ultimately recognises that, and is ultimately

up recognises that, and is ultimately up pragmatist. so, the thing that david _ up pragmatist. so, the thing that david trimble was struggling to do this time _ david trimble was struggling to do this time of 25 years ago, with the actual— this time of 25 years ago, with the actual good friday agreement, jeffrey— actual good friday agreement, jeffrey donaldson is now struggling to do over the windsor framework. i think. _ to do over the windsor framework. i think. after— to do over the windsor framework. i think, after the local elections, that will— think, after the local elections, that will be something that we will see movement from the dup on, that there _ see movement from the dup on, that there is— see movement from the dup on, that there is a _ see movement from the dup on, that there is a panel thatjeffrey johnson _ there is a panel thatjeffrey johnson has convened to report back on that _ johnson has convened to report back on that we — johnson has convened to report back on that. we understand that will happen— on that. we understand that will happen within the next few days or weeks _ happen within the next few days or weeks -- — happen within the next few days or weeks -- a — happen within the next few days or weeks. —— a panelthat happen within the next few days or weeks. —— a panel thatjeffrey donaldson has convened. so they will chart a _ donaldson has convened. so they will chart a way— donaldson has convened. so they will chart a way back to potentially go back into — chart a way back to potentially go back into government. we chart a way back to potentially go back into government.— chart a way back to potentially go back into government. we are seeing ictures back into government. we are seeing pictures from — back into government. we are seeing pictures from inside _ back into government. we are seeing pictures from inside ulster _ pictures from inside ulster university. those attending the speech by britain's biden have been there for some time, going through security checks. but we have been speaking to people inside. —— the speech by president biden. we'll be watching closely, listening to his words and what he says. but sarah, i wonder if can reflect on what david said, what's jeffrey

wonder if can reflect on what david said, what'sjeffrey donaldson's options are, whether he can bring his party members along with him? i agree that he has put himself in a difficult position, and i think that is because the dup really didn't leave themselves any room for manoeuvre, and the dup really has mixed messaging. they have given indications that they may be one some reforms in the windsor framework, but for a long time, the indication was that they wanted it completely gone. which, a lot of supporters now think that nothing less than that is acceptable, and whether they can bring the supporters along, i don't know. i don't know if he is preparing them for a climb—down, don't know if he is preparing them fora climb—down, i don't know if he is preparing them for a climb—down, i don't see him softening their language. they are devolutionist, they do want the assembly back, but there is maybe a difference between the westminster mps, who are more keen for the assembly to go, and the northern irish mlas who whose jobs are at risk if the smb doesn't come back.

—— if the assembly doesn't come back. but i think the risk is really, that with the constitution, some unionists believe that it damages northern ireland's place in the union. jeffreyjohnson will extract that, i don't know how that will look. the government has to proceed very carefully here, because the good friday agreement contain certain provisions about a border poll. it is not clear if that is what he is going for, what exactly the government can offer that will not upset the nationalist community, because if they do that, they will have another problem on their hands. can i bring you in here chris, to have a look at the bigger picture today, with president biden, talking about the good friday agreement. i was speaking to a young person, who is feeling was that it is not fit for purpose any more. is there a possibility that the agreements could be changed, to be more

reflective?— could be changed, to be more reflective? , . ., , .., reflective? there is increasing call for this, reflective? there is increasing call for this. and _ reflective? there is increasing call for this, and the _ reflective? there is increasing call for this, and the vanguard - reflective? there is increasing call for this, and the vanguard of - reflective? there is increasing call for this, and the vanguard of this. for this, and the vanguard of this is in the alliance party. that party identifies as neither nationalist nor unionist, it has increased, and is now the third biggest party in northern ireland. so many would say thatis northern ireland. so many would say that is a sign of changing attitudes. the whites of the alliance party would argue the the like of the alliance party. they cannotjust depend on unionists and nationalists, there has to be a bigger picture for people who do not follow into those traditional camps. at the moment this has been discussed a lot around this 25th anniversary. if electoral trains

continue at is more likely changeable come. another stormont