Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward has insisted that handing over
criminal justice powers to the province was an "essential" part of
devolution.
Addressing the Labour party autumn conference for the first time in his new
role yesterday, he said the St Andrews Agreement had clearly set out what
must be done.
Mr Woodward, who famously defected to Labour from the Conservatives eight
years ago, also insisted PM Gordon Brown was as committed to Ulster as Tony
Blair.
He told delegates at Bournemouth: "Conference, we still have an
important task to complete devolving policing and criminal justice.
"And with Paul Goggins and Jeff Rooker, ministers of state, we will
work to that end.
"The St Andrews Agreement was clear - not an a la carte menu for
devolution.
"The second, completing stage is as vital as the first. It must be
done... because it is the right thing.
"When Gordon became PM, he was as clear as his predecessor of the
importance of completing our work."
Mr Woodward praised the key players in the peace process and vowed to
complete it in a bid to deal with the past.
He told party members that the life of a child born in Belfast today was
very different to one born in 1972 but said it illustrated how government
can make a real difference.
But he insisted despite the symbolic meetings that have taken place over
recent times, including Ian Paisley welcoming Irish President Mary McAleese
to Belfast, that the past must not be forgotten.
He added: "Indeed it should never be forgotten - too many have given
too much.
"The history of Northern Ireland has indeed begun a new chapter,
perhaps even a new story altogether.
"So conference take pride and heart from Northern Ireland. Justice can
rise up, hope and history have rhymed."
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