Policing and Justice Bill wins 'Yes' vote
THE week started with national politicians, and even some international leaders, urging the Ulster Unionists to support the devolution of policing and justice.
They failed in that attempt to persuade the UUP, but those same international voices still had something to applaud yesterday afternoon, when the overall Assembly backed the justice transfer.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Taoiseach Brian Cowen said: "This is a significant step forward for the people of Northern Ireland, with overwhelming support from all sections of the community.
"It sends a clear message of confidence in the future, and commitment to build on the gains of the peace process that have been achieved over the last 12 years."
The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, who put in a weekend call to UUP leader Sir Reg Empey in a bid to get him to support the measure, said she "commended" the Assembly for making "an important step in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for all of the people of Northern Ireland for generations to come".
Mrs Clinton said it would help cement the gains of the past decade.
"The journey is not over, and real challenges remain.
"I encourage all parties to work together in a spirit of cooperation and compromise as they continue the road towards a full and lasting peace.
"The United States stands with the people of Northern Ireland in their efforts to build and sustain a thriving, confident, and shared society."
The US economic envoy to Northern Ireland Declan Kelly also praised the vote.
"Building on this momentum, next week First Minister Robinson, Deputy First Minister McGuinness and Minister Foster will join me in the US on a multi-city visit," he said.
"They will meet with Secretary Clinton, the leaders of major US Corporations and attend several large-scale events highlighting the investment opportunities in Northern Ireland."
At the same time, Mr Kelly said, over a dozen Northern Ireland companies would take part in a trade mission to the US "where they will meet with new potential trade partners".
The Irish President Mary McAleese also welcomed the vote.
"It demonstrates that partnership politics are firmly taking root in Northern Ireland and that the devolved Assembly and Executive are courageously facing up to the challenges of delivering good government for all of the people they represent."
The PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott joined in the praise.
"Devolution will strengthen our service," he said. "It will help to ensure that communities receive the policing service that not only they deserve, but that we are committed to delivering.
"The financial package is also welcomed. This will better enable us to move forward whilst also funding a number of legacy issues such as hearing loss claims.
"It will help us deal with those who are living in the darkness of the past and who have tried to disrupt this process and the lives of our community."
But Ulster Unionist Michael McGimpsey attacked the First Minister for dismissing concerns he raised about how Sinn Fein would respond to particular circumstances in the future.
"Of course, the Chief Constable has operational independence for the police but if a decision was taken to bring the Army back to Northern Ireland to assist with the threat posed by dissidents would Sinn Fein support such a move?
"That was the question that I posed and so far no answer has been given," Mr McGimpsey said.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
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Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
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