Menu
12/01/2010
Time To Make Policing Deal: Durkan
There is further pressure this afternoon for the long-awaited establishment of a Stormont Policing and Justice Department.
SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan has said today that the 'space' created by Peter Robinson's decision to stand aside as First Minister must be used to deliver policing and justice and powers.
"The DUP may have bought some time with the decision of Peter Robinson to stand aside. We have to use that time and space to deliver on policing and justice," he said.
"If we are expected to put up with the current situation and make the most of these difficulties then it has to be on the basis that progress will be made on this most substantive of political issues.
"The DUP have said all along that public confidence in policing and justice is an issue yet they quickly decided over the weekend there was sufficient public confidence in them and Peter Robinson.
"Therefore, there is no reason why there should be any further delay or contrite process in the devolution of policing and justice.
"Peter Robinson said his decision to stand aside will allow him to have concentrated focus on policing and justice," continued the SDLP Leader.
"We all thought this ought to have been the case beforehand. Now is the time to get some progress and a better outcome for devolving policing and justice."
Yesterday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown contacted the acting First Minister Arlene Foster and pushed for all MLAs to focus on the business of government.
"I urge all politicians in Northern Ireland, whatever the turbulence of recent events, to remain focused on the business of government, and to recognise the crucial importance of intensifying engagement in those issues which remain to be solved," he said.
NIO Secretary of State Shaun Woodward also confirmed that activity is intensifying with three meeting taking place between the two largest parties - Sinn Féin and the DUP - yesterday on the contentious devolution of policing and justice powers to the local Executive.
Sinn Féin has long said the new department should be established as soon as possible.
(BMcC/GK)
SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan has said today that the 'space' created by Peter Robinson's decision to stand aside as First Minister must be used to deliver policing and justice and powers.
"The DUP may have bought some time with the decision of Peter Robinson to stand aside. We have to use that time and space to deliver on policing and justice," he said.
"If we are expected to put up with the current situation and make the most of these difficulties then it has to be on the basis that progress will be made on this most substantive of political issues.
"The DUP have said all along that public confidence in policing and justice is an issue yet they quickly decided over the weekend there was sufficient public confidence in them and Peter Robinson.
"Therefore, there is no reason why there should be any further delay or contrite process in the devolution of policing and justice.
"Peter Robinson said his decision to stand aside will allow him to have concentrated focus on policing and justice," continued the SDLP Leader.
"We all thought this ought to have been the case beforehand. Now is the time to get some progress and a better outcome for devolving policing and justice."
Yesterday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown contacted the acting First Minister Arlene Foster and pushed for all MLAs to focus on the business of government.
"I urge all politicians in Northern Ireland, whatever the turbulence of recent events, to remain focused on the business of government, and to recognise the crucial importance of intensifying engagement in those issues which remain to be solved," he said.
NIO Secretary of State Shaun Woodward also confirmed that activity is intensifying with three meeting taking place between the two largest parties - Sinn Féin and the DUP - yesterday on the contentious devolution of policing and justice powers to the local Executive.
Sinn Féin has long said the new department should be established as soon as possible.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
14 October 2009
Robinson 'Wants More' On Devolution
Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson has said that he is looking for further 'clarification' from Prime Minister Gordon Brown about funding for the devolution of responsibility for policing and justice. Sinn Féin have accepted the deal but the DUP wants to go further.
Robinson 'Wants More' On Devolution
Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson has said that he is looking for further 'clarification' from Prime Minister Gordon Brown about funding for the devolution of responsibility for policing and justice. Sinn Féin have accepted the deal but the DUP wants to go further.
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.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
03 May 2007
Restorative justice schemes backed
The government should fund four loyalist restorative justice schemes, the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice has said. Kit Chivers, the Criminal Justice inspector has said there was no evidence the schemes were a front for paramilitary activity.
Restorative justice schemes backed
The government should fund four loyalist restorative justice schemes, the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice has said. Kit Chivers, the Criminal Justice inspector has said there was no evidence the schemes were a front for paramilitary activity.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
