DUP and SF asked to move on policing
Tuesday December 01 2009
TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has called on the DUP and Sinn Fein to take the "final steps" so policing powers can be transferred from London to Belfast.
However, he refused to impose a deadline for the move -- which is already a year-and-a-half late -- at a meeting in London last night with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Mr Cowen said talks between Sinn Fein and the DUP would be held in the "next few days" to restart the stalled process. "We now need to proceed to the final steps so devolution of policing and justice can take place," he said.
The meeting between the two leaders was arranged to show the determination of the British and Irish governments not to allow the row over devolution to derail the fragile peace process.
Both Mr Brown and Mr Cowen said they were "optimistic" about the prospect of progress. Mr Cowen also praised the gardai and the PSNI for their operations against dissident paramilitaries.
"They are dealing with small and violent factions who are trying to drive people back to a past they have no interest in going back to. So violence, as we know, has no place in the future of the island," he said.
Changes
The St Andrews Agreement signed by Sinn Fein and the DUP provided for the devolution of policing powers by May last year. But the DUP imposed pre-conditions before agreeing to the move -- including changes to the voting arrangements in the Northern Assembly.
Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has demanded that the handing over of policing powers must be completed by the New Year.
However, Mr Cowen also referred to talks taking place in the "coming weeks" which suggests that progress may not be achieved before Christmas.
Mr Brown said a lot of progress had been made, including the issue of finance. The British government recently agreed to provide funding of £1bn (€1.1bn) to the Northern executive.
"Both Brian Cowen and I are confident that the issues that have got to be resolved can be dealt with over the next few days," Mr Brown said.
- Michael Brennan in London
Irish Independent
