DUP Says No To 'Powers' Devolution

There can be no transfer of policing and justice powers to the Assembly while the IRA Army Council exists, the two most senior Democratic Unionists have insisted.

In sentiments later backed up by Party Leader and Assembly First Minister, Ian Paisley, DUP Deputy Leader Peter Robinson said last night that there remained a 'veto' on such a transfer of power.

He was responding to a call from Gordon Brown and Bertie Ahern for politicians to complete devolution by taking over policing and the courts.

After talks in Manchester, where they were attending commemorations for the Munich air disaster at Old Trafford, the Prime Ministers said they believed the time was right to secure the transfer of the remaining powers from Westminster.

"We stand ready to help the political parties as they work to complete the process of devolution through the devolution of policing and justice powers."

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams wants devolution of policing and justice this year too, however, Mr Robinson insisted the DUP had never signed up to the target of this May for the transfer of policing and justice powers: "Our manifesto states that devolution 'can only happen when there is the necessary support within the community'. That is the trigger mechanism.

"While Mr Brown and Mr Ahern may feel the 'time is right' we do not hold to such a view while the IRA Army Council still exists, neither the funding package nor modalities are agreed and other issues remain unresolved," he said, noting that rather than deadlines and dates, he ought to address the resource and other pressures' impact on the effectiveness of the police as their priority.

He said his party had negotiated a veto on the transfer of policing and justice that was enshrined in legislation.

The East Belfast MP said Northern Ireland's First Minister would have to agree to such a move and the Assembly would also have to ratify it: "Ultimately, the decision to devolve the powers will be made by the Assembly but not until we are satisfied beyond doubt that the circumstances are right and that there is the necessary confidence and support within the community."

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster this morning, Party Leader, Ian Paisley also insisted there would be no such devolution of powers agreed until 'IRA/Sinn Fein' removed its apparatus completely.

He also said that a financial package to ensure the policing transfer was smooth would also be required, noting that carrying over 'debt' would hamper the implementation of any new local governance arrangements.

(BMcC)