Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has dismissed suggestions that the DUP’s Euro election setback will hold up the devolution of policing and justice powers.

Mr McGuinnness was speaking at the King’s Hall count yesterday after party colleague Bairbre de Brun topped the poll.

The strong performance of TUV candidate Jim Allister has led to speculation that the DUP may block policing and justice powers being switched to Stormont.

But Mr McGuinnness yesterday told the Belfast Telegraph: “I don’t think that policing and justice transfer is a contentious issue.

“I think there is overwhelming support within the community for policing and justice to be transferred to our administration.”

Asked if he saw any reason to alter any plans or timetables on the matter, the deputy First Minister insisted: “Absolutely not. I think it’s a very uncontentious issue.”

Sinn Fein frustration over a lack of progress towards the devolution of policing and justice powers was one of the key factors in a major stalemate at Stormont last year.

The stand-off led to the cross-party Executive not meeting for a five-month period.

Mr McGuinnness yesterday said he was “delighted” by the re-election of Ms de Brun to the European Parliament.

“Obviously, there is a lot of commentary around her topping of the poll,” he added.

“From our perspective, we see this as a tremendous endorsement of our peace strategy, of the need to move forward positively and constructively and to do so in partnership and equality.

“We also see it as a massive vote against sectarianism.”

Asked if he had any concerns about Mr Allister’s showing and the impact it could have on the DUP, he said: “I think it’s not a day to be analysing other people’s votes.

“We’ll deal with what we have achieved today, which has been tremendous.

“We will obviously all reflect on the votes of others, but I think that the responsibility of others is quite clear.

“Overwhelmingly in our society, people want us to move forward positively and constructively to deal with vital issues that are of concern to them — around the economy, the environment, the loss of jobs, the economic downturn.

“What we have to do is we all have to work together.”