There can be no transfer of policing and justice powers to the Assembly
while the IRA Army Council exists, a senior Democratic Unionist has insisted.
DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson was responding to a call from Gordon Brown
and Bertie Ahern for politicians to complete devolution by taking over
policing and the courts.
After talks in Manchester, where they were attending commemorations for the
Munich air disaster at Old Trafford, the Prime Ministers said they believed
the time was right to secure the transfer of the remaining powers from
Westminster.
"We stand ready to help the political parties as they work to complete
the process of devolution through the devolution of policing and justice
powers."
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams wants devolution of policing and justice
this year too, however, Mr Robinson insisted the DUP had never signed up to
the target of this May for the transfer of policing and justice powers: "
Our manifesto states that devolution 'can only happen when there is the
necessary support within the community'. That is the trigger mechanism.
"While Mr Brown and Mr Ahern may feel the 'time is right' we do not
hold to such a view while the IRA Army Council still exists, neither the
funding package nor modalities are agreed and other issues remain unresolved,
" he said, noting that rather than deadlines and dates, he ought to
address the resource and other pressures' impact on the effectiveness of the
police as priority.
He said his party had negotiated a veto on the transfer of policing and
justice which was enshrined in legislation.
The East Belfast MP said Northern Ireland's First Minister would have to
agree to such a move and the Assembly would also have to ratify it: "
Ultimately, the decision to devolve the powers will be made by the Assembly
but not until we are satisfied beyond doubt that the circumstances are right
and that there is the necessary confidence and support within the community."
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