Menu
02/10/2009
Brown Is Belfast Bound Over Policing
Gordon Brown (pictured) will arrive in Belfast next week in a bid to end the emerging deadlock over policing and justice devolution.
The Prime Minister's decision to intervene directly in the matter comes amid simmering tensions between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
Relations between the pair worsened this week when Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness accused the First Minister of getting "cold feet" over the transfer of judicial powers to the Assembly.
Mr Robinson refused to respond to Mr McGuinness's criticism, suggesting he knew how it would be played out in the media.
The Deputy First Minister has continued to insist the installation of a local policing and justice department should be progressed as soon as possible.
However, the First Minister is adamant budgetary arrangements are still not satisfactory.
Speaking yesterday, Secretary of State Shaun Woodward said the new devolved Stormont institutions would fill "the final part of the jigsaw".
He said a locally run security department would "send a signal of confidence to the world".
Both Mr Woodward and Deputy First Minister have suggested an agreement would bolster inward investment.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell dismissed the claims, adding he has never met a foreign investor interested in the policing and justice system within Northern Ireland.
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan called on the Office of First and Deputy First Minister to end its wrangling.
"These Peter and Martin soap opera episodes must end before they end up like Peter and Katie," he said.
The Prime Minister will arrive in the province on Monday and is expected to meet with all party leaders.
See: NI First Ministers Clash
(PR/BMcC)
The Prime Minister's decision to intervene directly in the matter comes amid simmering tensions between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
Relations between the pair worsened this week when Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness accused the First Minister of getting "cold feet" over the transfer of judicial powers to the Assembly.
Mr Robinson refused to respond to Mr McGuinness's criticism, suggesting he knew how it would be played out in the media.
The Deputy First Minister has continued to insist the installation of a local policing and justice department should be progressed as soon as possible.
However, the First Minister is adamant budgetary arrangements are still not satisfactory.
Speaking yesterday, Secretary of State Shaun Woodward said the new devolved Stormont institutions would fill "the final part of the jigsaw".
He said a locally run security department would "send a signal of confidence to the world".
Both Mr Woodward and Deputy First Minister have suggested an agreement would bolster inward investment.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell dismissed the claims, adding he has never met a foreign investor interested in the policing and justice system within Northern Ireland.
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan called on the Office of First and Deputy First Minister to end its wrangling.
"These Peter and Martin soap opera episodes must end before they end up like Peter and Katie," he said.
The Prime Minister will arrive in the province on Monday and is expected to meet with all party leaders.
See: NI First Ministers Clash
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 October 2004
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
12 August 2003
Durkan describes policing threat as 'despicable'
SDLP leader, Mark Durkan has condemned those who sent bullets to the deputy chairman of the NI Policing Board and a member of the DPP in Londonderry, describing it as "despicable".
Durkan describes policing threat as 'despicable'
SDLP leader, Mark Durkan has condemned those who sent bullets to the deputy chairman of the NI Policing Board and a member of the DPP in Londonderry, describing it as "despicable".
26 November 2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
22 March 2017
Book of Condolence In Memory Of Martin McGuinness Opens At Guildhall
A Book of Condolence has opened at the Guildhall in L'Derry in memory of former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness. Mr McGuinness died following a short illness on Tuesday, 21 March.
Book of Condolence In Memory Of Martin McGuinness Opens At Guildhall
A Book of Condolence has opened at the Guildhall in L'Derry in memory of former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness. Mr McGuinness died following a short illness on Tuesday, 21 March.
13 May 2016
Foster And McGuinness Reappointed As First Minister And Deputy First Minister
Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness have officially been reappointed as Northern Ireland's First Minister and deputy First Minister. Arlene Foster said: "I am deeply humbled to have affirmed the pledge of office and to return to Stormont as Northern Ireland’s First Minister.
Foster And McGuinness Reappointed As First Minister And Deputy First Minister
Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness have officially been reappointed as Northern Ireland's First Minister and deputy First Minister. Arlene Foster said: "I am deeply humbled to have affirmed the pledge of office and to return to Stormont as Northern Ireland’s First Minister.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A mostly dry evening and night with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive, especially in the south. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
