Government 'not serious' over policing
THE devolution of policing powers to Stormont could be in danger, according to the DUP.
Sammy Wilson has queried the Government's necessary financial commitment on the matter and indicated that talks on the issue should stop until resolved to the party's satisfaction.
The East Antrim MP was speaking ahead of a scheduled Executive meeting on Thursday, when the matter is expected to be on the agenda.
"Despite many months of detailed discussions on how justice would be financed, there is still no sign that the Government is serious about providing the necessary funding," Mr Wilson said.
"There should be no doubt that unless this matter is resolved, it would be impossible to devolve the functions.
"Indeed, while the Government maintains its present position on the matter, discussion about the devolution of policing and justice functions will remain academic."
First Minister Peter Robinson has been involved in detailed discussions with the Prime Minister over devolution in recent weeks, but in a veiled threat Mr Wilson added: "We have approached these negotiations with the Government in good faith but without serious engagement on their part there is little point in our continuing with these discussions and we will have to consider our future approach on this matter in the coming days."
The DUP have consistently stressed that a suitable financial package and sufficient public confidence be in place before justice powers are devolved.
The issue has been mired in controversy with the Northern Ireland Executive curtailed in a five-month logjam last year due to disagreement between unionists and republicans.
In November, the DUP and Sinn Fein came to an agreement on a process to implement full devolution.
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Monday 28 May 2012
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