Photosales
niJobfinder
niCarfinder
Home Delivery
Propertynews
Parties have 48 hours to seal policing and justice deal
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Prime Minister Gordon Brown today set a 48-hour deadline for Northern Ireland's power-sharing government to hammer out a deal on the devolution of policing powers.
Speaking alongside Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Mr Brown said three days of intensive negotiations between the main parties had seen progress made on the row surrounding stalled devolution of policing powers.
But he said if the party leaders fail to agree a deal in the next 48 hours, the British and Irish governments would publish their own plans for moving the process forward.
Mr Brown said: "We believe we have proposals that make for a reasonable deal on devolution of policing and justice, we believe we have proposals that make for a reasonable settlement on all the outstanding issues."
But he added in regard to the 48-hour deadline: "If we judge that insubstantial progress has been made we will publish our own proposals."
Sinn Fein has threatened serious consequences for the devolved administration without a swift transfer of law and order powers.
But the DUP has insisted it will only give the go-ahead when other outstanding issues, such as the management of controversial parades, are resolved.
Moments before the premiers wound up proceedings, tensions between the two main parties apparently reached boiling point at a round table plenary session, with Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness venting his anger that the summit had failed to secure a settlement.
Afterwards Mr Brown said he believed proposals to devolve policing powers to Stormont in May could be brought to a vote in the Assembly as early as March.
But he said the other issues had to be settled.
Mr Brown said: "The importance of these decisions for the future of Northern Ireland cannot be under-estimated. With leadership and courage they can be achieved."
Sinn Fein said it was "deeply disappointed" with the outcome of the talks and blamed DUP demands for a concession on loyal order parades for blocking an agreement.
Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness, flanked by party colleagues including president Gerry Adams, said: "I believe we have displayed extraordinary patience and commitment over the past 18 months as we sought to persuade the Democratic Unionist Party to be partners of progress.
"Over recent days the two Governments have joined that effort.
"The decision by the DUP, at the behest of the Orange Order, to make the abolition of the Parades Commission a pre-condition for the transfer of powers on policing and justice flies in the face of all that."
Mr Cowen and Mr Brown later left Hillsborough Castle together in a convoy.
Mr McGuinness claimed the demand had made agreement difficult, adding: "Many are speculating that this was the real intention."
He said that, despite progress on policing, no final deal had been agreed.
"I am very deeply disappointed about that," he said.
The senior Republican had made his feelings known in a private meeting with party leaders and in subsequent meetings with the premiers.
The party would nevertheless study the proposals tabled by the two Governments, he said.
"But one thing is certain - and it is absolutely certain as far as we are concerned - that citizens' rights and entitlements will not be made subject to a unionist veto or an Orange Order pre-condition."
DUP leader and first minister Peter Robinson said his party remained committed to the devolution of policing powers, but said it would not let that happen until the conditions were right.
He expressed confidence that the parties could reach a settlement but insisted Sinn Fein had to show some flexibility in their approach.
Mr Robinson made clear that his party would not bend under the threat of a Sinn Fein walkout.
He said: "The Democratic Unionist Party is committed to ensure that devolution works in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland and will not accept any second rate deal simply to get across the line to suit someone else's deadline."
He added: "If others choose to walk away then I believe that the wrath of the community will be upon them for doing that."
After the leaders left, the three minor parties in the Assembly gave their reaction to the stalemate.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said that, while there was a lot of frustration, there was still the opportunity to make progress.
"We need to just wind our necks in, calm down, sit down and face all of the issues with all of the parties."
Sir Reg Empey, leader of the Ulster Unionists, said the prize was too great to fail now.
"Having come the distance we have come, I think it would be a tragedy that we would falter at this last stage," he said.
But the senior unionist warned that his party would not be forced to sign up to a deal just because Sinn Fein was demanding immediate progress.
"I want to make it clear Sinn Fein are not going to bully us. We have our issues, we have our mandate and we intend to have our agenda discussed with the other parties."
Leader of the cross-community Alliance Party David Ford, who is tipped to take on the justice ministry if powers are devolved, said the process had reached an extremely serious juncture.
But he added: "I do not believe that it is impossible to resolve this situation at the present time if there is a willingness to engage, and instead of engaging in the blame game and the whinge game, the parties get down to engaging seriously and sensibly together."
- Text Size
Comments
37 Comments
In response to ray and his comment about 50/50 police recruitment, This was brought about because the RUC was under-represented by catholics,and the reason for this was because the ira targeted catholic men who were, or tried to become police officers...sectarianism was nothing to do with it chum...thats why this 50/50 rule is not only wrong,but is actual discrimination against individuals who are willing to join the police but can't get very far because they happen to be protestants..you haven't got a clue dude..
Posted by arron | 28.01.10, 00:59 GMT
If the orange order want to march let them buy a few acres of land and march until they are content. If Peter Robinson can not at least pretend that he is First Minister FOR ALL then he should resign immediatly.
Posted by James Doyle | 27.01.10, 23:14 GMT
Ray, it is clear that you live in the USA and not here. What equality? What human rights?
Posted by Rina | 27.01.10, 22:52 GMT
You both have a lot to lose! Just think no more big paydays! That big house you bought and the cars and holidays!! Wow! We 'know' you will do a deal as there is so much at stake for the DUP/Sinn Fein! The unemployed and poor kids of Ulster want you to succeed so they can sit back as usual and admire you for everything you have done to make your lives better at their expense! One day you may realise why you were elected you sad B... boys!!
Posted by maggie Long | 27.01.10, 22:20 GMT
The parades issue is a central public order matter at the heart of devolution of policing & justice. The PSNI budget/manpower will be impacted on decisions about parades. Why should the issue not be dealt before devolving these powers ? The question has to be asked, why is everybody expected to dance to a SF tune ? I think that violent republicanism was so used to getting its own way, that political republicanism has kept up the same game. The truth is that the DUP never signed up to a timetable for the issue and it was only spin that allowed the Governments to indicate to republicans that they had done so. If SF want to collapse everything because they are in a `political strop', people will not forgive them for it!
Posted by Alex | 27.01.10, 21:48 GMT
Sinn Fein and the DUP are both pathetic. The shinners are still locked to their ideological Republican doctrine and the DUP are clinging on to power at any price. The shinners will soon have to realise that the threats to pull down the devolved government don`t work and only make things worse. Leave 1916 behind. The people spoke when they voted for the Good Friday agreement and the shinners need to leave the IRA Army Council behind. Get it done.
Posted by Cliff | 27.01.10, 21:26 GMT
Collapse this farce now! Its nothing but a waste of taxpayers money. Implement Plan B - Joint authority between the british and irish governments. They are the only politicians who are mature enough and aren't blinded by bigotry. Then finally something will get done!
Posted by Reality Check | 27.01.10, 21:12 GMT
This is a win for terrorism shame on both governments.
Posted by Billy | 27.01.10, 20:24 GMT
3.2 million people live in and around Leeds many different religions and cultures all living side by side.N.I. has 1.5 million people and a small number of those are fanatics who love to make it miserable for others. They cannot even have an orange festival with out marching down roads where they are not welcome or shake hands with some one who is of a different religion.Two very busy prime minsters couldnt even help. Sad so sad because it is a fantastic part of Ireland.
Posted by ron54 | 27.01.10, 19:41 GMT
"Mr Robinson added If others chose to walk away...". Perhaps he should reflect that his usual arrogant intransigence may cause Gordon Brown to walk away in frustration taking the British cheque book with him. How will he then explain the resulting public sector cuts to his community. I want Unionists to properly share power with Nationalists to jointly guide us through the economic crisis, not endlessly quibble over irrelevant outdated marches. In the eyes of the World (inc potential investors), it only makes Unionists look like spoilt children who have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21 century.
Posted by Tom | 27.01.10, 18:57 GMT
The dup oppose civil rights and the
chance of democracy,whats new?
they act like unionism always has
The political endeavour of sinn fein
can only be admired ,of course they oppose the orange order marching
through nationalist areas,for the dup
to use this as a major issue is a serious joke.Ireland becomes closer
to unification every day,the south comes north did you hear what cowen said silence is golden
Posted by murphy | 27.01.10, 18:53 GMT
I often wonder if politiians in Northern Ireland ever think of how rediculous they appear when viewed from afar.To bring down the assembly over the Parades Issue is just plane stupid.Let the Orange men walk where they are welcome and no where else. I know they go on about heritage and tradition but just remember wealthy white land owners in the USA were able to buy and sell black slaves .I guess that was their" Heritage and Tradition."Why don't you all grow up, move on and learn to live together.
Posted by Canuck | 27.01.10, 18:44 GMT
The Orange Order have no right to march through areas they're not wanted in. Simple. If a community doesn't want these thugs in their area then they must be not be allowed go against the community's wishes. What kind of democracy would that be?
The DUP idea seems to be, do as we like and reject what we don't. Utterly astonishing. The fault here lies solely with the DUP and the British government should be quick to tell them so instead of indulging their medieval delusions of power and grandeur.
The fact that an entire assembly would fall simply because one side wishes to force their "culture" down the throats of another is quite baffling.
Posted by Euskal Herria | 27.01.10, 18:43 GMT
DUP are of the Ulster Says No Brigade. We the people of Ireland have no time for this, take it or you will get joint Dublin Rule.
Posted by sean from co down Ireland | 27.01.10, 18:43 GMT
Robinson's attempts to abolish the Parades Commission are offensive to all right thinking people. We are heartily sick of sectarianism. We are sick of sectarian marches, sectarian bands, the whole sectarian bandwagon. Please allow people in Northern Ireland to live in peace. Robinson seems stuck in a sick past we decent people want desperately to leave behind. Shame on him!
Posted by Henry | 27.01.10, 18:37 GMT
ray usa why are you even commenting on our politics. You don't live here you don't have a clue. How would you feel if a terrorist was head of american policing. Worry about your own politics and all the promises obama has yet to deliiver.
As far as ni i thin peter is just right taking his time and not be bulllied into a decision if sein feinn want to walk theres the door don't let it smack u in the arse on the way out.
Posted by john | 27.01.10, 18:18 GMT
Imagine the Republican party in the USA linking the discussions in the senate on health reforms on the KKK being allowed to walk somewhere, its so pathetic its just unbleieveable. Edwin Poots this morning said he would like to see a Parade doen Garvaghey road-- Move on Edwin that is history.
When we have devolved policing will the Orange order pay for the policing of their parades. After all all football clubs in the UK PAY FOR POLICING ON MATCH DAYS
Posted by bERTIE | 27.01.10, 18:15 GMT
Ulyysses32 it is much more serious than that, mummy and daddy have only given them 48 hours but maybe Eddie Murphy....( hope he was in that movie)
Posted by ron54 | 27.01.10, 17:52 GMT
Perhaps it is time all those suffering from voter apathy got off the fence and show Peter Robinson exactly what the wrath of the PEOPLE feels like ! The old grey politics of the d u p will never solve anything ! I would'nt let them run my bath ! Grow up or, step aside.
Posted by East Belfast Prodestant | 27.01.10, 17:45 GMT
Whats all this about 50/50 policing, Ray? Times have moved on what about Portugesse, Polish, Latvians etc. Tut tut tut.
Also, why is it still referred to as the 'Peace Process' who exactly is going to resort to violence if they do not agree, Dissident Republicans?? Surely they are not involved in politics, or are they?
My bet is there will be some announcement made by somebody trying to look exhausted that will amount to absolutely zelch to the average punter.
Posted by Graeme | 27.01.10, 17:41 GMT
37 Comments