Adams claims DUP agreed to policing timeframe

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has today said that the DUP has gone back on a deal regarding policing.

Mr Adams said that the DUP was given a copy of the motion which he would put to the Sinn Fein Executive meeting when they meet to discuss the party's policy on policing.

He added that the DUP had said that if Sinn Fein turned its word into action, then they would be prepared to accept the devolution of policing by May 2008.

Earlier today, Gerry Adams released a statement, which read: “In the run up to the meeting of the Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle on December 29 the DUP were given the text of the motion I was putting to the Ard Chomhairle calling a special Ard Fheis on policing.

“They said that the required words were in the motion and that if the Ard Chomhairle accepted the motion the DUP would respond to this in Ian Paisley’s New Year statement.”

The words given to Sinn Fein from the DUP read: “The DUP has always maintained that it will support devolution of policing and justice if there is sufficient confidence across the community. The words needed are those contained in the Ard Chomhairle motion. Provided Sinn Féin translate into action the commitments contained in that motion, the DUP will accept devolution of policing and justice in the timeframe set out in the St. Andrews Agreement or even before that date.”

The Sinn Fein leader continued: “This was acceptable to me and I proceeded to the Ard Chomhairle meeting. The agreed words were never said which is why there is now a crisis in the process.”

He added that the context has been changed completely and now the DUP have refused to accept power sharing within the St. Andrews timeframe. The basis of the Ard Chomhairle motion has been removed. We have to find another basis to move forward. It will be very difficult but I see this as a challenge to be faced and overcome.”

Despite these very profound difficulties I stand by my remarks of December 29. I put the motion on policing to the Ard Chomhairle because it was the right thing to do. It is still the right thing to do. Republicans and nationalists, like all other citizens, have the right to a civic, non partisan and accountable policing service. There is still an urgent need to

get the power sharing arrangements in place, with the DUP in the Executive as is their entitlement.”

Mr Adams concluded that the Ard Chomhairle will have to judge all of these matters in the

round during tomorrows meeting.

In response, DUP leader Ian Paisley said that they never agreed to this.

He said: "I am not in the business of saying one thing in private and another in public.

"It is time for Sinn Fein to get down to business and deliver support for the police, the courts and the rule of law.

"Delivery from them, instead of delay and diversion, can help to start building confidence."

(EF)