DUP host talks over policing
THE DUP are hosting meetings with other parties as talks continue over the devolution of policing.
DUP leader Peter Robinson and Acting First Minister Arlene Foster are speaking with representatives from the UUP, SDLP and Alliance parties.
The talks come as speculation grows about a possible deal this week between the DUP and Sinn Fein following intensive negotiations in recent days.
Sinn Fein are also expected to meet the SDLP on Tuesday.
While Peter Robinson has gone on record to insist that the Ulster Unionists must also be satisfied with any agreement, UUP MLA Basil McCrea claimed his party only found out about the meeting through the media.
Asked in the Assembly on Monday about the transfer of policing and justice functions to Stormont, Mrs Foster described the devolution of the powers as a "key manifesto commitment" of her party and, in a reference to TUV leader Jim Allister, said that "everyone who was in the party at that time signed up to that manifesto commitment".
In comments which were distinctly positive about the prospect of the powers being transferred, Mrs Foster said that once a deal was agreed, it would be "good for all of the people of Northern Ireland".
"The Scottish government has full control of policing and justice without any implications for the Union," she said, adding that the Welsh Assembly also had control of policing and justice functions.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell, seen as more sceptical of a swift transfer of powers than many of his Assembly colleagues, acknowledged that progress was being made.
But he warned that it should not be taken for granted that the parties were on "the cusp of a deal".
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Monday 28 May 2012
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