7 August 2008 Edition
Framework laid but real progress must follow
Progress has been made this week in talks between Sinn Féin and the DUP on the transfer of policing and justice powers from the British government in London to the Executive and Assembly in Belfast.
The parties have agreed that policing and justice will come under a single department and that in the short term neither party would take up its right to have a member elected as minister.
This is a welcome development. The DUP has moved from an entrenched position that was threatening to bring the work of the Executive and the Assembly to a halt. It demonstrates also the continued willingness of Sinn Féin to ‘go the extra mile’ and to take political risks.
No-one should underestimate the concern felt by republicans over the protracted delay in the transfer of policing powers. It should have happened in May of this year. This was the agreed timetable. It was the timeframe in prospect when Sinn Féin agreed to change its policy on policing in the Six Counties after intense and very difficult internal debate.
Of course the timing is less important than getting policing and justice right and finally ending the legacy of militarised policing and politicised courts in the Six Counties. Every section of the community deserves a new beginning in policing and justice. Every local community deserves safety and real security. All forms of crime and anti-social behaviour need to be tackled both by prevention and prosecution.
That goal requires the continuing transformation of policing and justice and it cannot be achieved without the transfer of powers. It cannot be repeatedly postponed. Nor can the patience of republicans be taken for granted.
The parties have agreed that policing and justice will come under a single department and that in the short term neither party would take up its right to have a member elected as minister.
This is a welcome development. The DUP has moved from an entrenched position that was threatening to bring the work of the Executive and the Assembly to a halt. It demonstrates also the continued willingness of Sinn Féin to ‘go the extra mile’ and to take political risks.
No-one should underestimate the concern felt by republicans over the protracted delay in the transfer of policing powers. It should have happened in May of this year. This was the agreed timetable. It was the timeframe in prospect when Sinn Féin agreed to change its policy on policing in the Six Counties after intense and very difficult internal debate.
Of course the timing is less important than getting policing and justice right and finally ending the legacy of militarised policing and politicised courts in the Six Counties. Every section of the community deserves a new beginning in policing and justice. Every local community deserves safety and real security. All forms of crime and anti-social behaviour need to be tackled both by prevention and prosecution.
That goal requires the continuing transformation of policing and justice and it cannot be achieved without the transfer of powers. It cannot be repeatedly postponed. Nor can the patience of republicans be taken for granted.