ENABLING LEGISLATION to create a new Policing and Justice Ministry could begin its process through the Stormont Assembly before the beginning of the summer recess. That was the encouraging signal for London and Dublin yesterday as Northern Ireland’s First and Deputy First Ministers, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, held talks with British prime minister Gordon Brown.
DUP sources said the meeting was requested by them primarily to discuss the position of the Presbyterian Mutual Society, while stressing that major financial issues will need to be resolved with the British Treasury before the devolution process can be completed.
Speaking in the Commons ahead of his meeting with Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness, the prime minister said he hoped it would “not be long” before that process was completed to the benefit of every community. Mr Brown also told MPs he believed the benefits of devolving policing and justice powers “will be very great”.
He was responding to a call from SDLP MP Eddie McGrady for “a personal initiative” by the prime minister to conclude the issue, which had become “a political football” between the DUP and Sinn Féin.
Mr McGrady reflected fears that the “political battle” between the two largest parties might intensify “in light of the outcome of the European election” .