Justice Devolution Makes Progress

Legislation allowing the transfer of policing and justice powers to Stormont will be put before Assembly members in the autumn, it has been revealed.

Executive ministers agreed on the new directives yesterday, bringing the establishment of a local ministry one step closer.

Cabinet members also passed plans to appoint a cross-community justice minister, another indication that the post could be given to the Alliance Party.

However, SDLP minister Margaret Ritchie has hit out at the DUP and Sinn Féin for sidelining her party.

Ms Richie said the decision was a departure from the Good Friday Agreement. Under the terms of the power-sharing agreement, ministerial portfolios are distributed according to party strength within the Assembly.

She alleged Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness had ruled out the chances of a Nationalist justice minister, a claim denied by Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly.

Junior Minister Kelly said the post is open to any MLA, bar the DUP and Sinn Féin, insisting Mr McGuinness had made public his preference for a nationalist to occupy the position.

"What we want is an agreed minister in the interim to move that forward," he said.

"That is what all this is about. Martin McGuinness is on record that we want a nationalist justice minister."

It is still not clear when the actual powers will come into effect, however, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson said yesterday questions still hang over eventual funding for the department.

"Despite many months of detailed discussions on how justice would be financed, there is still no sign that the Government is serious about providing the necessary funding," he said.

According to Mr Wilson, unless the matter is resolved there is little hope the powers will be devolved.

"Indeed, while the Government maintains its present position on the matter, discussion about the devolution of policing and justice functions will remain academic," added Mr Wilson.

(PR/KMcA)