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05/09/2008
'Barrier' To Single Three-Nation Department Lifting?
A barrier to a merger of the Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland Office was removed yesterday as Downing Street promised to hand policing powers to Belfast "in the next few days".
The idea of a single Whitehall department dealing with the three nations was first presented by aides to then-PM Tony Blair as far back as 2001.
But the plan has always foundered over delays in the Northern Ireland peace process – particularly rows over whether the police should be under Belfast or London control.
Earlier this week, an independent report concluded the IRA's 'army council' had effectively ceased to exist, fulfilling a key demand of the Democratic Unionist Party, the largest political group in Northern Ireland.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said yesterday: "In the next few days, I will use all my efforts, working with the parties in Northern Ireland, to make sure that the devolution of policing and justice can go ahead and the final stages of the peace process will now be completed, to the better government of Northern Ireland and to the peace and prosperity of the people there."
However, the aspiration may be hard to conclude, given continued unionist opposition to involving the terror-related political party, Sinn Fein in matters of justice and the application of policing in Northern Ireland.
See: Pressure On DUP As IMC Says IRA "No Longer Operates"
(BMcC/KMcA)
The idea of a single Whitehall department dealing with the three nations was first presented by aides to then-PM Tony Blair as far back as 2001.
But the plan has always foundered over delays in the Northern Ireland peace process – particularly rows over whether the police should be under Belfast or London control.
Earlier this week, an independent report concluded the IRA's 'army council' had effectively ceased to exist, fulfilling a key demand of the Democratic Unionist Party, the largest political group in Northern Ireland.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said yesterday: "In the next few days, I will use all my efforts, working with the parties in Northern Ireland, to make sure that the devolution of policing and justice can go ahead and the final stages of the peace process will now be completed, to the better government of Northern Ireland and to the peace and prosperity of the people there."
However, the aspiration may be hard to conclude, given continued unionist opposition to involving the terror-related political party, Sinn Fein in matters of justice and the application of policing in Northern Ireland.
See: Pressure On DUP As IMC Says IRA "No Longer Operates"
(BMcC/KMcA)
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23 June 2003
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
09 October 2009
Policing Deal Looming For Northern Ireland
Following the latest round of 'shuttle-diplomacy', Northern Ireland's main political parties will this weekend assess potential financial arrangement for devolved policing and justice powers to the Stormont Assembly.
Policing Deal Looming For Northern Ireland
Following the latest round of 'shuttle-diplomacy', Northern Ireland's main political parties will this weekend assess potential financial arrangement for devolved policing and justice powers to the Stormont Assembly.
02 August 2013
Belfast City Councillor Arrested Over Facebook Post
A DUP Councillor in Northern Ireland has been arrested in connection with "grossly offensive communications, intimidation and encouraging criminal acts", the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said.
Belfast City Councillor Arrested Over Facebook Post
A DUP Councillor in Northern Ireland has been arrested in connection with "grossly offensive communications, intimidation and encouraging criminal acts", the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said.
11 October 2006
Blair and Ahern head to Scotland for crunch NI talks
The British and Irish Prime Ministers are off to St Andrews in Scotland today to hold three days of intensive talks with Northern Ireland politicians over the restoration of the power-sharing Assembly.
Blair and Ahern head to Scotland for crunch NI talks
The British and Irish Prime Ministers are off to St Andrews in Scotland today to hold three days of intensive talks with Northern Ireland politicians over the restoration of the power-sharing Assembly.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
