THE ULSTER Defence Association has made a major contribution to the peace process in Northern Ireland by putting all of its weapons beyond use. It has taken five years for the largest loyalist paramilitary organisation to reach this point of departure and to commit itself to the construction of a tolerant society, embracing differing beliefs and identities. Its example stands in stark contrast to the petty politicking that has bedevilled relations within the Executive over the transfer of policing and justice powers and now threatens the very future of devolved government.
The current impasse is an indictment of the quality of political leadership being provided. It reflects not just distrust, dislike and disconnection within the Executive but a caution bordering on obduracy within the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
The personal difficulties in the family life of First Minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson may have contributed to the lack of political focus and direction in recent months. But they do not excuse it. Support for his wife Iris and the protection of his marriage are important personal priorities. But, he is the First Minister of Northern Ireland at a key time in the development of the peace and politcal process and, though it may be harsh to say so, he has to be able to focus on historic and ground-breaking political priorities.
Mr Robinson is required, as First Minister in a power-sharing Executive, to engage with Sinn Féin on challenging issues. In that context, his announcement that he will meet Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness today for formal discussions - and his stated desire for real progress - appears to be a considerable advance.
It is more than a year since Mr McGuinness believed a deal had been done with the DUP on the transfer of policing and justice powers, as a kind of quid pro quo for Sinn Féin’s involvement on policing boards. Incremental progress has been made since then and special funding mechanisms established. But no date for the transfer of powers was agreed, in spite of pressure from the Irish and British governments.
Difficulties within the Executive between the DUP and Sinn Féin were to be expected, given the historical baggage of both parties. But no coalition arrangement can operate to the benefit of its people without a modicum of goodwill and co-operation. That has been sorely lacking. Because of that, both communities are drifting back into traditional, exclusive mindsets that could threaten future progress. Sinn Féin has warned that the Executive may collapse unless agreement is reached before the British general election.
There is nothing to be gained by further procrastination. The voluntary destruction of weapons by the UDA represents the penultimate step in a long-running peace process. The remaining task is for Mr Robinson to agree a framework for the transfer of justice and policing powers. His personal life is one issue for him; the greater challenge is whether he can devote his time to bringing about the better 2010 which he said yesterday he wants to see.