Ritchie Sole Justice Nomination

Nationalist MLA Margaret Ritchie could emerge as the only nominated contender for the role of Northern Ireland's first devolved justice minister today.

First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness wrote to all 108 Assembly members asking them to select their preferred candidate for the position by this afternoon.

So far the SDLP has been the only party to nominate a runner.

Both the DUP and Sinn Féin said they would not put forward anyone within their parties.

Assembly members passed a Bill ensuring the minister could be chosen on a cross-community basis.

Alliance, who has been hotly tipped to secure the portfolio, resisted nominating, as has the UUP.

David Ford, Alliance party leader, called for more progress on justice policy and a new community relations strategy, but his name has become closely associated with the ministerial role.

Ulster Unionists criticised the DUP for the preferred method of selecting the new minister.

They are not expected to put forward a name, despite speculation deputy leader Danny Kennedy would be favoured.

Margaret Ritchie is the SDLP's sole minister sitting on the Stormont Executive with her formal nomination by party members announced this week with Sinn Féin backing Ms Ritchie's bid for the justice post.

She is also set to challenge SDLP Deputy Leader Alasdair McDonnell for the party leadership next February, when incumbent Mark Durkan steps down.

Despite some progress on the nomination process, there appears to be no end to the deadlock over devolving policing and justice responsibilities to the local Assembly.

Martin McGuinness has warned that if a deadline for the transfer is not set by Christmas the Stormont institutions could become "unsustainable".

He said the Assembly would face a "full-blown crisis" if agreement was not reached.

Peter Robinson rejected the Deputy First Minister's claims, insisting "outstanding issues" still need resolved, namely community confidence.

The Assembly enters its Christmas recess today, with MLAs returning to 'the hill' on 4 January 2010.

(PR/BMcC)