Menu
01/02/2010
Justice 'Breakthrough' Speculation
The DUP and Sinn Fein are poised to sign off a deal on devolved policing and justice powers in the North, according to reports.
Stormont's two largest parties have sought agreement on the matter since the establishment of the current Assembly in 2007. Recent wrangling has threatened to destabilise the entire power-sharing government.
Last week both parties entered into rigorous talks aimed at saving the local institutions.
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Irish premier Brian Cowen intervened in negotiations but postponed publishing their joint recommendations on the process following developments on Friday.
Yesterday Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said "considerable progress" had been made on finding a solution.
However, senior DUP figure Gregory Campbell suggested last night that any deal could be put out for public consultation.
Further talks are set to take place at Hillsborough Castle today.
Sinn Fein has continued to insist the new powers should be put in the hands of local politicians as soon as possible.
The DUP said there needs to be "confidence" within the unionist community before a Northern Ireland justice department is formed.
Parading has proved a major sticking point for both sides. The DUP has called for the dissolutions of the Parades Commission, which adjudicates on contentious Orange Order marches.
Sinn Fein wishes to retain the status quo, having accused the DUP leadership of bowing to unionist hardliners.
Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness, whose resignation could collapse the Assembly, yesterday conceded a deal could be reached, satisfying nationalists, republicans, unionists and loyalists.
DUP MP Mr Campbell later told the BBC: "People need to be consulted, they need to see the bones of the deal and the detail of it, and then give a response that allows us to say whether we proceed or don't."
Gerry Adams said he thought Mr Campbell's idea was 'novel'.
"I think it would be really cool for the people of Garvaghy Road to have Gregory coming down to ask them how he should proceed," said the Sinn Fein president.
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward updated the Prime Minister on progress last night.
Despite speculation he would travel to Belfast on Friday, reports have now emerged that Mr Brown, along with Irish counterpart Mr Cowen, could still arrive in the province if a deal is signed today.
(PR/GK)
Stormont's two largest parties have sought agreement on the matter since the establishment of the current Assembly in 2007. Recent wrangling has threatened to destabilise the entire power-sharing government.
Last week both parties entered into rigorous talks aimed at saving the local institutions.
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Irish premier Brian Cowen intervened in negotiations but postponed publishing their joint recommendations on the process following developments on Friday.
Yesterday Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said "considerable progress" had been made on finding a solution.
However, senior DUP figure Gregory Campbell suggested last night that any deal could be put out for public consultation.
Further talks are set to take place at Hillsborough Castle today.
Sinn Fein has continued to insist the new powers should be put in the hands of local politicians as soon as possible.
The DUP said there needs to be "confidence" within the unionist community before a Northern Ireland justice department is formed.
Parading has proved a major sticking point for both sides. The DUP has called for the dissolutions of the Parades Commission, which adjudicates on contentious Orange Order marches.
Sinn Fein wishes to retain the status quo, having accused the DUP leadership of bowing to unionist hardliners.
Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness, whose resignation could collapse the Assembly, yesterday conceded a deal could be reached, satisfying nationalists, republicans, unionists and loyalists.
DUP MP Mr Campbell later told the BBC: "People need to be consulted, they need to see the bones of the deal and the detail of it, and then give a response that allows us to say whether we proceed or don't."
Gerry Adams said he thought Mr Campbell's idea was 'novel'.
"I think it would be really cool for the people of Garvaghy Road to have Gregory coming down to ask them how he should proceed," said the Sinn Fein president.
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward updated the Prime Minister on progress last night.
Despite speculation he would travel to Belfast on Friday, reports have now emerged that Mr Brown, along with Irish counterpart Mr Cowen, could still arrive in the province if a deal is signed today.
(PR/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2024
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
02 February 2010
DUP Mulls Over Northern Justice Deal
The North's DUP leader Peter Robinson is expected to seek unanimous support for a justice deal within his party. Mr Robinson met with the DUP Assembly group yesterday, amid mounting speculation an agreement between the unionist party and Sinn Fein was on the cusp of being signed.
DUP Mulls Over Northern Justice Deal
The North's DUP leader Peter Robinson is expected to seek unanimous support for a justice deal within his party. Mr Robinson met with the DUP Assembly group yesterday, amid mounting speculation an agreement between the unionist party and Sinn Fein was on the cusp of being signed.
22 August 2019
SF: Amazon Destruction Displays Failures Of EU Trade Deal
A Sinn Fein MEP has branded the ongoing destruction and deforestation of the Amazon rainforest as proof of the serious pitfalls at the heart of the EU-Merosur trade deal.
SF: Amazon Destruction Displays Failures Of EU Trade Deal
A Sinn Fein MEP has branded the ongoing destruction and deforestation of the Amazon rainforest as proof of the serious pitfalls at the heart of the EU-Merosur trade deal.
02 December 2009
DUP Blasts SF As Justice Bill Is Passed
Assembly members in the North have passed legislation to create a local justice department, amid simmering tensions between the DUP and Sinn Fein. The bill, which passed its final stage last night, has also paved the way for a cross-community Justice Minister.
DUP Blasts SF As Justice Bill Is Passed
Assembly members in the North have passed legislation to create a local justice department, amid simmering tensions between the DUP and Sinn Fein. The bill, which passed its final stage last night, has also paved the way for a cross-community Justice Minister.
18 November 2008
Taoiseach Welcomes End Of North Stalemate
Brian Cowen has welcomed the end of the five month political stalemate in the North. Sinn Fein and the DUP have announced today they had finally agreed a deal for the devolution of policing and justice powers from London to Stormont.
Taoiseach Welcomes End Of North Stalemate
Brian Cowen has welcomed the end of the five month political stalemate in the North. Sinn Fein and the DUP have announced today they had finally agreed a deal for the devolution of policing and justice powers from London to Stormont.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
