Outgoing MLA's Warning Over Policing

Sinn Fein could walk away from the Northern Ireland Assembly if a timescale for devolving policing and justice powers is not agreed, a republican MLA has warned.

Francie Brolly, who will retire from Stormont later this week, said voters wanted to see action on the issue.

He suggested Sinn Fein may not return to government in the new year if a deadline is not set.

Last week, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the Assembly would face a "full-blown crisis" if agreement was not reached before Christmas.

He warned the local institutions could become "unsustainable" if wrangling with the DUP did not end.

Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has ruled out suspending the Assembly if issues are not resolved.

Mr Woodward said he no longer had the powers to do so, since the inception of the St Andrew's agreement.

Despite being hopeful difficulties can be overcome, Mr Brolly said constituents were asking questions.

"The thing is we have a constituency out there, they are wondering how long they can support us beating our head against a wall, not getting anywhere. They want us to get places," he said.

The 71-year-old has represented east Londonderry since 2003.

The NI Secretary met Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin in Dublin yesterday.

Mr Woodward said it was likely Sinn Fein and the DUP could emerge from the deadlock without entering St Andrew's style talks.

"We believe the political parties both want to do this, it's a question of providing as much help as we can with the framework but ultimately this must be a matter for them," he said.

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to hold further discussions with his Irish counterpart Brian Cowen on the matter later this week.

(PR/KMcA)