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02/10/2009
Brown Belfast Bound On Policing
Gordon Brown will arrive in Belfast next week in a bid to end the emerging deadlock over policing and justice devolution.
The Prime Minister's decision to intervene directly in the matter comes amid simmering tensions between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
Relations between the pair worsened this week when Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness accused the First Minister of getting "cold feet" over the transfer of judicial powers to the Assembly.
Mr Robinson refused to respond to Mr McGuinness's criticism, suggesting he knew how it would be played out in the media.
The Deputy First Minister has continued to insist the installation of a local policing and justice department should be progressed as soon as possible.
However, the First Minister is adamant budgetary arrangements are still not satisfactory.
Speaking yesterday, Secretary of State Shaun Woodward said the new devolved Stormont institutions would fill "the final part of the jigsaw".
He said a locally run security department would "send a signal of confidence to the world".
Both Mr Woodward and Deputy First Minister have suggested an agreement would bolster inward investment.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell dismissed the claims, adding he has never met a foreign investor interested in the policing and justice system within Northern Ireland.
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan called on the Office of First and Deputy First Minister to end its wrangling.
"These Peter and Martin soap opera episodes must end before they end up like Peter and Katie," he said.
The Prime Minister will arrive in the province on Monday and is expected to meet with all party leaders.
See: NI First Ministers Clash
(PR/BMcC)
The Prime Minister's decision to intervene directly in the matter comes amid simmering tensions between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
Relations between the pair worsened this week when Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness accused the First Minister of getting "cold feet" over the transfer of judicial powers to the Assembly.
Mr Robinson refused to respond to Mr McGuinness's criticism, suggesting he knew how it would be played out in the media.
The Deputy First Minister has continued to insist the installation of a local policing and justice department should be progressed as soon as possible.
However, the First Minister is adamant budgetary arrangements are still not satisfactory.
Speaking yesterday, Secretary of State Shaun Woodward said the new devolved Stormont institutions would fill "the final part of the jigsaw".
He said a locally run security department would "send a signal of confidence to the world".
Both Mr Woodward and Deputy First Minister have suggested an agreement would bolster inward investment.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell dismissed the claims, adding he has never met a foreign investor interested in the policing and justice system within Northern Ireland.
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan called on the Office of First and Deputy First Minister to end its wrangling.
"These Peter and Martin soap opera episodes must end before they end up like Peter and Katie," he said.
The Prime Minister will arrive in the province on Monday and is expected to meet with all party leaders.
See: NI First Ministers Clash
(PR/BMcC)
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Ireland WeatherToday:Dry, bright start this morning with best of sunshine in the west. Thickening cloud over Down and Antrim this morning with a few showers, extending westwards this afternoon. Lighter winds. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Rather cloudy and mainly dry at first, then showery outbreaks of rain extending westwards to most places during the night, turning heavier towards morning. Light winds. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
