DUP Policing 'Wish List' Dismissed

An eight-page dossier handed to Gordon Brown by the DUP has been dismissed by Sinn Féin as a mere "wish list".

The document is believed to contain the unionist party's terms for devolved policing and justice.

Peter Robinson is said to have asked the Prime Minister to retain the full time police reserves, support the issuing of personal protection weapons to former security workers and abolish the Parades Commission.

Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd (pictured) said the DUP's requests deflected from yesterday's Downing Street talks on funding.

"These side issues have no place in this negotiation," he said.

"What the talks in Downing Street are about is finance. The ending of the full time reserve is a Patten requirement and we fully expect the new Chief Constable to deliver on it."

Mr Robinson and Martin McGuinness failed to reach agreement with the Prime Minister in London yesterday.

On Monday, Mr Brown travelled to Northern Ireland amid simmering tensions between the First and Deputy First Minister.

Mr Robinson has continued to insist no agreement will be reached until outstanding budgetary issues are settled.

Mr McGuinness believes the judiciary powers should be transfered to the Assembly as soon as possible.

He was encourage by the progress made during the latest round of negotiations.

"It's at a critical point, but I believe all this is doable. I'm more convinced of that now in the aftermath of the meeting," said the Deputy First Minister.

The abolition of the Parades Commission, a marching mediation body, was first mooted by Lord Ashdown last year. The DUP is now believed to have asked for his recommendations to be implemented.

More details of the DUP demands can be found at: Retain Police Reserve, Says DUP

(PR/BMcC)