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05/09/2008
'Barrier' To Single Three-Nation Department Lifting?
A barrier to a merger of the Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland Office was removed yesterday as Downing Street promised to hand policing powers to Belfast "in the next few days".
The idea of a single Whitehall department dealing with the three nations was first presented by aides to then-PM Tony Blair as far back as 2001.
But the plan has always foundered over delays in the Northern Ireland peace process – particularly rows over whether the police should be under Belfast or London control.
Earlier this week, an independent report concluded the IRA's 'army council' had effectively ceased to exist, fulfilling a key demand of the Democratic Unionist Party, the largest political group in Northern Ireland.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said yesterday: "In the next few days, I will use all my efforts, working with the parties in Northern Ireland, to make sure that the devolution of policing and justice can go ahead and the final stages of the peace process will now be completed, to the better government of Northern Ireland and to the peace and prosperity of the people there."
However, the aspiration may be hard to conclude, given continued unionist opposition to involving the terror-related political party, Sinn Fein in matters of justice and the application of policing in Northern Ireland.
See: Pressure On DUP As IMC Says IRA "No Longer Operates"
(BMcC/KMcA)
The idea of a single Whitehall department dealing with the three nations was first presented by aides to then-PM Tony Blair as far back as 2001.
But the plan has always foundered over delays in the Northern Ireland peace process – particularly rows over whether the police should be under Belfast or London control.
Earlier this week, an independent report concluded the IRA's 'army council' had effectively ceased to exist, fulfilling a key demand of the Democratic Unionist Party, the largest political group in Northern Ireland.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said yesterday: "In the next few days, I will use all my efforts, working with the parties in Northern Ireland, to make sure that the devolution of policing and justice can go ahead and the final stages of the peace process will now be completed, to the better government of Northern Ireland and to the peace and prosperity of the people there."
However, the aspiration may be hard to conclude, given continued unionist opposition to involving the terror-related political party, Sinn Fein in matters of justice and the application of policing in Northern Ireland.
See: Pressure On DUP As IMC Says IRA "No Longer Operates"
(BMcC/KMcA)
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23 June 2003
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02 August 2013
Belfast City Councillor Arrested Over Facebook Post
A DUP Councillor in Northern Ireland has been arrested in connection with "grossly offensive communications, intimidation and encouraging criminal acts", the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said.
Belfast City Councillor Arrested Over Facebook Post
A DUP Councillor in Northern Ireland has been arrested in connection with "grossly offensive communications, intimidation and encouraging criminal acts", the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said.
09 October 2009
Policing Deal Looming For Northern Ireland
Following the latest round of 'shuttle-diplomacy', Northern Ireland's main political parties will this weekend assess potential financial arrangement for devolved policing and justice powers to the Stormont Assembly.
Policing Deal Looming For Northern Ireland
Following the latest round of 'shuttle-diplomacy', Northern Ireland's main political parties will this weekend assess potential financial arrangement for devolved policing and justice powers to the Stormont Assembly.
05 January 2012
Conservatives Launch New NI Party
The Conservative Party have announced plans to create a new political party in Northern Ireland, after their offer of a merger with NI unionists was rejected.
Conservatives Launch New NI Party
The Conservative Party have announced plans to create a new political party in Northern Ireland, after their offer of a merger with NI unionists was rejected.
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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.
