SINN FÉIN and the DUP have outlined what they regard as significant progress in the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Stormont Executive after weeks of stalemate. DAN KEENAN, Northern News Editor reports
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have written to the Assembly committee that oversees the Executive's functions asking it to consider three fresh proposals on which they are now agreed. In their letter, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister propose a combined policing and justice department under a single minister, elected on a cross-community basis by the Assembly. They also say neither the DUP nor Sinn Féin would nominate one of their Assembly members for the position.
Such a move would, in theory, leave the nomination open to the Alliance party, the SDLP or the Ulster Unionists. However, the Alliance leader, David Ford, immediately and emphatically rejected all talk of his party considering such an appointment.
UUP leader Sir Reg Empey has repeatedly argued against devolution of policing on the basis that it would further "destabilise" current arrangements. With three of the Executive parties thus ruling themselves out of the nomination process, the SDLP claimed it had brought about the new policing dispensation in Northern Ireland and said justice was "natural territory" for the party.
The letter from Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness makes no reference to any timescale for devolution. This is despite pressure from the British and Irish governments as well as from Sinn Féin for justice powers to be transferred to Stormont as quickly as possible.
The letter does, however, point to the amount of work still needed before devolution can take place. "There are still a considerable number of issues to be determined," it says.
"We would be grateful if your committee would consider producing a report within this framework. As our own discussions continue and as we engage other party leaders, we may be able to offer further advice to your committee." The Assembly and Executive Review Committee is not due to meet until September, and there were suggestions last night that the DUP might seek to change its personnel. This requires Assembly consent and no plenary session is timetabled before September 15th.
Sinn Féin, however, is insisting that "the main issue" requiring resolution has now been agreed and is again pushing for early settlement on outstanding matters.
Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said progress towards devolution of justice was a "significant development", adding, "Sinn Féin want to see it happen in the short time ahead."
David Ford's early and vociferous rejection of any talk of an Alliance justice minister surprised sources at Stormont. "The Executive is failing in its duties," he said. "So Northern Ireland needs a strong and coherent opposition. We are providing that opposition and we will continue to do so."
He attacked the mandatory four-party coalition, claiming it was mired in a crisis of its own making.
The UUP leader also criticised the DUP-Sinn Féin led Executive. Sir Reg Empey said: "Any idea of devolving something as contentious as policing and justice is highly irresponsible."