Menu
09/10/2007
Stormont Policing Powers In Focus
The contentious devolution of policing and criminal justice issue to the Stormont Assembly has been further highlighted during an Assembly debate.
Ulster Unionist Assembly member David Burnside critisised Sinn Fein’s attitude to investigations into crimes involving IRA members, including the murder of Belfast father-of-two Robert McCartney in 2005.
With the Assembly currently considering whether responsibility for policing and criminal justice matters should be transferred to Stormont, Mr Burnside asked – in light of the family's concerns – how unionists could allow the powers to be devolved?
He claimed that the relatives of Robert McCartney were saying there is no evidence of senior republicans taking part in the historic crimes enquiries with the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
“How can any confidence be built in transferring police and justice when his Deputy First Minister and members of the Sinn Fein bench are involved in such activities?” he asked the Assembly.
Mr McCartney was stabbed outside a Belfast city centre pub in January 2005 after he and a friend were attacked.
The family’s high profile international campaign to persuade Sinn Fein to use its influence in bringing his killers to justice has now been diluted as the family expressed disillusionment with the case.
However, First Minister, DUP leader Ian Paisley insisted the place to raise concerns about the devolution of policing and justice powers was a special committee set up in the Assembly to look into the matter.
(BMcC)
Ulster Unionist Assembly member David Burnside critisised Sinn Fein’s attitude to investigations into crimes involving IRA members, including the murder of Belfast father-of-two Robert McCartney in 2005.
With the Assembly currently considering whether responsibility for policing and criminal justice matters should be transferred to Stormont, Mr Burnside asked – in light of the family's concerns – how unionists could allow the powers to be devolved?
He claimed that the relatives of Robert McCartney were saying there is no evidence of senior republicans taking part in the historic crimes enquiries with the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
“How can any confidence be built in transferring police and justice when his Deputy First Minister and members of the Sinn Fein bench are involved in such activities?” he asked the Assembly.
Mr McCartney was stabbed outside a Belfast city centre pub in January 2005 after he and a friend were attacked.
The family’s high profile international campaign to persuade Sinn Fein to use its influence in bringing his killers to justice has now been diluted as the family expressed disillusionment with the case.
However, First Minister, DUP leader Ian Paisley insisted the place to raise concerns about the devolution of policing and justice powers was a special committee set up in the Assembly to look into the matter.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
22 March 2010
MPs To Back Justice Deal
Westminster Parliamentarians are expected to formally back the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly today. MPs are widely predicted to support the Parliamentary orders which will see a Stormont Justice Department established by 12 April.
MPs To Back Justice Deal
Westminster Parliamentarians are expected to formally back the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly today. MPs are widely predicted to support the Parliamentary orders which will see a Stormont Justice Department established by 12 April.
15 November 2002
SDLP criticised over policing comments
Fermanagh and South Tyrone UUP Assembly member Sam Foster has described as "misleading" and "inaccurate" the response of some parties to the reference in the Queen's speech to forthcoming policing legislation.
SDLP criticised over policing comments
Fermanagh and South Tyrone UUP Assembly member Sam Foster has described as "misleading" and "inaccurate" the response of some parties to the reference in the Queen's speech to forthcoming policing legislation.
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.
08 January 2008
Local Policing Powers Target Date Recedes
While Unionists have insisted the IRA Army Council would have to be completely disbanded before enough confidence exists for the proposed devolution of policing and justice powers, the issue is being discussed at high level today.
Local Policing Powers Target Date Recedes
While Unionists have insisted the IRA Army Council would have to be completely disbanded before enough confidence exists for the proposed devolution of policing and justice powers, the issue is being discussed at high level today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
