Menu
10/02/2010
First Minister's Devolution Warning
Peter Robinson is poised to execute a 'Trimble-esque' post-dated resignation should the Hillsborough Castle Agreement fail to be faithfully implemented.
The DUP First Minister told the Assembly he was not adverse to collapsing the Stormont Government if the structures for devolving policing and justice powers were not honoured by Sinn Fein.
However, Mr Robinson (pictured) said he was confident his republican power-sharing partners were committed to the deal.
The First Minister insisted transferring judiciary powers from Westminster to Belfast was the best option for everyone in Northern Ireland.
Elaborating on a so-called 'clever device', which reportedly appeased 14 DUP Assembly group dissenters last week, Mr Robinson said: "I think everybody has recognised that there are methods available, particularly to the two main parties in this assembly, which can be used at any and all times if they wish to bring down institutions to make sure that things don't work, to act as vetoes."
Former Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble's post-dated resignation as First Minister was triggered in 2000 over IRA decommissioning.
His standing down froze the local institutions for almost four months.
Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness yesterday pledged his party's support for the Hillsborough accord.
"I travel with hope and optimism, I look on the bright side and whenever this party makes commitments, we are absolutely dedicated to keeping those commitments."
Meanwhile, the province's top judge has said the devolution of judiciary powers could bolster public confidence in the legal system.
Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan said: "I am pleased to note that the independence of the judiciary and the contribution that this makes to public confidence have been expressly recognised in the text of the agreement."
Sir Declan said it was important to "respect the Government's role to make policy".
He added: "I expect to engage regularly with those who have political responsibility for justice. Judicial independence does not mean judicial isolation.
"Discussion between independent bodies on how to improve public confidence within their areas of competence is entirely appropriate. These new arrangements may well be challenging for all of us but I am committed to playing my part in ensuring their success."
A cross-community vote to appoint the new justice minister will be held in the Assembly by 9 March.
Should this process run smoothly, the department could be established by 12 April.
(PR/BMcC)
The DUP First Minister told the Assembly he was not adverse to collapsing the Stormont Government if the structures for devolving policing and justice powers were not honoured by Sinn Fein.
However, Mr Robinson (pictured) said he was confident his republican power-sharing partners were committed to the deal.
The First Minister insisted transferring judiciary powers from Westminster to Belfast was the best option for everyone in Northern Ireland.
Elaborating on a so-called 'clever device', which reportedly appeased 14 DUP Assembly group dissenters last week, Mr Robinson said: "I think everybody has recognised that there are methods available, particularly to the two main parties in this assembly, which can be used at any and all times if they wish to bring down institutions to make sure that things don't work, to act as vetoes."
Former Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble's post-dated resignation as First Minister was triggered in 2000 over IRA decommissioning.
His standing down froze the local institutions for almost four months.
Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness yesterday pledged his party's support for the Hillsborough accord.
"I travel with hope and optimism, I look on the bright side and whenever this party makes commitments, we are absolutely dedicated to keeping those commitments."
Meanwhile, the province's top judge has said the devolution of judiciary powers could bolster public confidence in the legal system.
Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan said: "I am pleased to note that the independence of the judiciary and the contribution that this makes to public confidence have been expressly recognised in the text of the agreement."
Sir Declan said it was important to "respect the Government's role to make policy".
He added: "I expect to engage regularly with those who have political responsibility for justice. Judicial independence does not mean judicial isolation.
"Discussion between independent bodies on how to improve public confidence within their areas of competence is entirely appropriate. These new arrangements may well be challenging for all of us but I am committed to playing my part in ensuring their success."
A cross-community vote to appoint the new justice minister will be held in the Assembly by 9 March.
Should this process run smoothly, the department could be established by 12 April.
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 March 2010
UUP MLAs Hold Justice Meeting
Ulster Unionist Assembly members will meet later to discuss their approach to the Hillsborough Castle Agreement. So far the party has refused to publicly support the accord. The devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster to Belfast has proved one of the most contentious issues to affect the Stormont government.
UUP MLAs Hold Justice Meeting
Ulster Unionist Assembly members will meet later to discuss their approach to the Hillsborough Castle Agreement. So far the party has refused to publicly support the accord. The devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster to Belfast has proved one of the most contentious issues to affect the Stormont government.
04 November 2009
Dublin Appeals To DUP Over Justice
The Irish Republic's Foreign Affairs Minister has urged that policing and justice powers should be devolved from London without delay.
Dublin Appeals To DUP Over Justice
The Irish Republic's Foreign Affairs Minister has urged that policing and justice powers should be devolved from London without delay.
21 July 2011
Court Penalties Are 'Not Fine', Says Ford
The NI Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation proposals to tackle the problem of fine default. Motorists who refuse to pay their court fines could have their vehicles seized, clamped or have their licence endorsed under proposals put out to the public.
Court Penalties Are 'Not Fine', Says Ford
The NI Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation proposals to tackle the problem of fine default. Motorists who refuse to pay their court fines could have their vehicles seized, clamped or have their licence endorsed under proposals put out to the public.
21 June 2005
Forensic scientist to be called in to find 'disappeared'
Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell has said that the Irish and British government's will bring in a forensic scientist to assist with a renewed effort to find the five undiscovered bodies of the disappeared.
Forensic scientist to be called in to find 'disappeared'
Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell has said that the Irish and British government's will bring in a forensic scientist to assist with a renewed effort to find the five undiscovered bodies of the disappeared.
29 November 2004
Drive launched to clear roads of 'run-arounds'
Lord Mayor of Belfast Tom Ekin and Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar have joined forces to launch Operation Clean Up, a long-term initiative to remove hundreds of untaxed and so-called ‘run-around’ vehicles from the city’s streets.
Drive launched to clear roads of 'run-arounds'
Lord Mayor of Belfast Tom Ekin and Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar have joined forces to launch Operation Clean Up, a long-term initiative to remove hundreds of untaxed and so-called ‘run-around’ vehicles from the city’s streets.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
