The Bulgarian judicial system has and still is undertaking substantive change to eliminate the influence of criminal gangs and nepotism which has been all too apparent since the fall of communism.

Since my return to Northern Ireland, I am alarmed and concerned at the current wheeler-dealings between the DUP and Sinn Fein on the issues concerning the devolution of policing and justice to the Stormont Assembly.

Whilst I have still concerns for the future of policing, my main concern is that of the future of our judicial system.

Why did Nigel Dodds of the DUP reassure the public after the St Andrews Agreement stating, "As far as we are concerned, there will be no devolution of policing and justice for a very long time."

He further stated, "I have no evidence whatsoever to suggest that that is likely to happen within a political lifetime."

In total contrast to this, the DUP leader Peter Robinson more recently stated, "I am not gloomy about the prospects of reaching an agreement."
What is now going on? Is there no consistency on this matter within the DUP ranks? Is two years a political lifetime?

The DUP and Sinn Fein may have provided guarantees that they would not head the Ministry during the lifetime of this parliament, but what happens then? I have read recent reports about 'common areas of agreement' between the DUP and Sinn Fein. What are these areas?

Do they involve the selection of senior judges or senior appointments of judicial/prison service figures? Can we expect former criminals (from whatever persuasion) to take lead roles in the future administration of justice?

How far do these current wheeler-dealings and alleged common areas of agreement extend? Have sufficient funds been provided to properly administer such a gigantic change? Have adequate safeguards been addressed to ensure the future integrity of the judiciary?

With the current impasse on post-primary education, etc, can we realistically move towards the devolution of justice to a Stormont Assembly that cannot currently make decisions on lesser contentious issues? I sincerely hope that we are not taking a backward step to that which has been all too evident in Bulgaria.

Howard Thornton
Enniskillen