Policing and Justice Devolution passed by Assembly
THE Assembly have voted in favour of the devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster.
As expected the UUP did not support the move, however, the motion received the necessary cross-community consent to be passed.
Policing and justice powers will now be devolved on April 12.
The vote underpins the Hillsborough Agreement brokered between the DUP and Sinn Fein to stabilise the region's power-sharing Government.
Out of the 105 votes cast, a total of 88 were in support of the move, with only the UUP voting against.
Disagreement on the timing of the devolution of the justice powers had threatened to collapse Northern Ireland's power-sharing administration.
DUP leader and First Minister Peter Robinson attacked the UUP decision to vote against the devolution plans.
He said the party was seeking political advantage and added: "I believe it is time for us all to move forward. There must be no going back to the bad old days of the past.
"Throughout history there are times of challenge and defining moments. This is such a time. This is such a moment."
Mr Robinson added: "Leadership is not about what's easiest, or what best suits our party interests, it is about doing what is right for our people."
The UUP claimed the ministerial Executive must sort out other outstanding matters - such as the longstanding row over post-primary school transfer arrangements - before it can take on law and order functions.
Its leader Sir Reg Empey said: "I am immensely proud of the sacrifices my party has made for the cause of peace. Our determination to make Stormont work for all the people of Northern Ireland - unionists, nationalists, all of us - continues.
"Our whole-hearted support for the brave men and women of the PSNI continues unabated."
Sir Reg added: "As a democratic political party pledged to making power-sharing work in an inclusive manner for all the people of Northern Ireland - and we exercise our rights refusing to bow to the blackmail and bullying to which we have been subjected in recent weeks."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness questioned the logic of the UUP stance.
"The UUP are on record as stating that they will not support the election of a local minister to oversee the administration of policing and justice until there is agreement to test 10 and 11-year-old children to determine which school they will attend," he said.
"I have to say that these are the most dysfunctional political positions I have ever come across."
He added: "The Hillsborough Agreement provided an opportunity for a new start... I acknowledge that this is a challenge to us all but it is one to which we all must rise."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
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