Menu
25/03/2010
UUP 'To Back' SDLP Justice Bid
Ulster Unionist MLAs are reportedly poised to back the SDLP's nominee for Justice Minister at Stormont.
Senior UUP members are believed to have voiced their support for Alban Maginness to SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie.
The nationalist party has always maintained the ministry should rightfully fall to them under the d’Hondt system, which apportions Executive portfolios according to representation in the Assembly.
Mr Maginness, an MLA for North Belfast, is a qualified barrister. The UUP is said to be impressed with his credentials.
Northern Ireland's new Justice Minister, who could take office as early as 12 April, will have responsibility for policing, prisons, the courts and potentially parading.
Alliance leader David Ford has been tipped as the favourite to take the job, after the DUP and Sinn Fein ruled themselves out of the running.
The two largest parties recommended the minister should be selected on a cross-community basis.
However, a change in position by the UUP could thwart these plans. The party's MLAs voted against the Hillsborough Castle Agreement - which lays the foundations for further devolution - earlier this month. Despite this, it was passed by a majority vote.
However, UUP leader Sir Reg Empey's prospective support for an SDLP Justice Minister would conflict with his calls for a unionist appointment.
Commentators have suggested a joint SDLP and UUP move on the matter could prove politically shrewd.
It proves the UUP are committed to power-sharing, by backing a nationalist Catholic for the post.
Commentators suggest it is unlikely Sinn Fein would select an Alliance candidate, over one they are more politically aligned with.
The DUP has continued to insist UUP support is necessary to complete the transfer of policing and justice powers. This could force their hand into endorsing the UUP's preferred contender for the ministerial job.
However, others have pointed out that d’Hondt cannot be cited as a legitimate argument for an SDLP justice appointment.
If all 11 departments, including Justice, were reapportioned it is likely larger parties would select it over other portfolios such as Roads and Employment.
Sir Reg has said he and his party would "continue to assess the situation" over the two-week Easter recess.
(PR/NS)
Senior UUP members are believed to have voiced their support for Alban Maginness to SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie.
The nationalist party has always maintained the ministry should rightfully fall to them under the d’Hondt system, which apportions Executive portfolios according to representation in the Assembly.
Mr Maginness, an MLA for North Belfast, is a qualified barrister. The UUP is said to be impressed with his credentials.
Northern Ireland's new Justice Minister, who could take office as early as 12 April, will have responsibility for policing, prisons, the courts and potentially parading.
Alliance leader David Ford has been tipped as the favourite to take the job, after the DUP and Sinn Fein ruled themselves out of the running.
The two largest parties recommended the minister should be selected on a cross-community basis.
However, a change in position by the UUP could thwart these plans. The party's MLAs voted against the Hillsborough Castle Agreement - which lays the foundations for further devolution - earlier this month. Despite this, it was passed by a majority vote.
However, UUP leader Sir Reg Empey's prospective support for an SDLP Justice Minister would conflict with his calls for a unionist appointment.
Commentators have suggested a joint SDLP and UUP move on the matter could prove politically shrewd.
It proves the UUP are committed to power-sharing, by backing a nationalist Catholic for the post.
Commentators suggest it is unlikely Sinn Fein would select an Alliance candidate, over one they are more politically aligned with.
The DUP has continued to insist UUP support is necessary to complete the transfer of policing and justice powers. This could force their hand into endorsing the UUP's preferred contender for the ministerial job.
However, others have pointed out that d’Hondt cannot be cited as a legitimate argument for an SDLP justice appointment.
If all 11 departments, including Justice, were reapportioned it is likely larger parties would select it over other portfolios such as Roads and Employment.
Sir Reg has said he and his party would "continue to assess the situation" over the two-week Easter recess.
(PR/NS)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 May 2005
NI council results at present
NI’s elected councillors as of Monday afternoon Carrickfergus: Billy Ashe, Terence Clement, David Hilditch, Patricia McKinney (DUP), Sean Neeson (AP), William Hamilton, Charles Brown (Ind) Newtownabbey: William Ball, Paula Bradley, Nigel Hamilton, Robert Hill, John Mann, Mandy Girvan (DUP), Tom Campbell, Lynn Frazer (AP), Janet Crilly, Ken Robi
NI council results at present
NI’s elected councillors as of Monday afternoon Carrickfergus: Billy Ashe, Terence Clement, David Hilditch, Patricia McKinney (DUP), Sean Neeson (AP), William Hamilton, Charles Brown (Ind) Newtownabbey: William Ball, Paula Bradley, Nigel Hamilton, Robert Hill, John Mann, Mandy Girvan (DUP), Tom Campbell, Lynn Frazer (AP), Janet Crilly, Ken Robi
28 November 2003
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
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.
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.
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.
-
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.
