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05/10/2009
Brown In Belfast For Policing Talks
British PM, Gordon Brown has arrived in Northern Ireland to hold further talks on the devolution of policing and justice powers.
Mr Brown travelled to the province amid simmering tensions between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
The First and Deputy First Minister are at loggerheads over the time frame for transferring the institutions.
Sinn Féin's Mr McGuinness has continued to insist the new department should be set-up as soon as possible, while DUP Leader Mr Robinson has voiced caution over budgetary requirements.
Relations between the Stormont Executive's two most powerful ministers is said to have worsened over recent weeks.
The Deputy First Minister accused Mr Robinson of stalling and showing signs of "cold feet" over the devolution process.
Mr Robinson refused to be drawn into a public spat, but maintains the new powers can not be installed before Christmas.
Speaking to the BBC yesterday, the First Minister said, even if the will was there, it would be impossible to rush the process.
"I thought it might have been a possibility to do it before the European election, but clearly even if I was to agree to the devolution of policing and justice today, it couldn't be done before Christmas," he said.
"Because the reality is, there is further legislation to go through the Assembly.
"There is even a bill going through the Assembly at the present time and there are other processes."
Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness have held a series of talks with Mr Brown in London, with the aim of resolving funding issues.
It has been reported that setting up the new local policing and justice department could cost in the region of £600m, however, a final figure is still to be agreed by the UK Treasury.
The First Minister has renewed his calls for the Conservative Party to guarantee any amount settled, given the likelihood of a general election next year.
(PR/KMcA)
Mr Brown travelled to the province amid simmering tensions between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
The First and Deputy First Minister are at loggerheads over the time frame for transferring the institutions.
Sinn Féin's Mr McGuinness has continued to insist the new department should be set-up as soon as possible, while DUP Leader Mr Robinson has voiced caution over budgetary requirements.
Relations between the Stormont Executive's two most powerful ministers is said to have worsened over recent weeks.
The Deputy First Minister accused Mr Robinson of stalling and showing signs of "cold feet" over the devolution process.
Mr Robinson refused to be drawn into a public spat, but maintains the new powers can not be installed before Christmas.
Speaking to the BBC yesterday, the First Minister said, even if the will was there, it would be impossible to rush the process.
"I thought it might have been a possibility to do it before the European election, but clearly even if I was to agree to the devolution of policing and justice today, it couldn't be done before Christmas," he said.
"Because the reality is, there is further legislation to go through the Assembly.
"There is even a bill going through the Assembly at the present time and there are other processes."
Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness have held a series of talks with Mr Brown in London, with the aim of resolving funding issues.
It has been reported that setting up the new local policing and justice department could cost in the region of £600m, however, a final figure is still to be agreed by the UK Treasury.
The First Minister has renewed his calls for the Conservative Party to guarantee any amount settled, given the likelihood of a general election next year.
(PR/KMcA)
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14 October 2009
Robinson 'Wants More' On North's Devolution
Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson has said that he is looking for further 'clarification' from Prime Minister Gordon Brown about funding for the devolution of responsibility for policing and justice. Sinn Féin have accepted the deal but the DUP wants to go further.
Robinson 'Wants More' On North's Devolution
Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson has said that he is looking for further 'clarification' from Prime Minister Gordon Brown about funding for the devolution of responsibility for policing and justice. Sinn Féin have accepted the deal but the DUP wants to go further.
13 October 2009
Policing Devolution Deal Inches Ahead
Some details have emerged of the much-anticipated 'letter of offer' from the Prime Minister on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Stormont Assembly.
Policing Devolution Deal Inches Ahead
Some details have emerged of the much-anticipated 'letter of offer' from the Prime Minister on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Stormont Assembly.
09 October 2009
Weekend 'Reflection' On Policing Deal
The North's two main political parties will asses the potential of financial arrangement for devolved policing and justice powers this weekend. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said "massive progress" has been made during late night talks in Downing Street on Thursday. The Sinn Féin man said all sides were on the "cusp" of an agreement.
Weekend 'Reflection' On Policing Deal
The North's two main political parties will asses the potential of financial arrangement for devolved policing and justice powers this weekend. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said "massive progress" has been made during late night talks in Downing Street on Thursday. The Sinn Féin man said all sides were on the "cusp" of an agreement.
06 October 2009
Policing Talks Continue In London
Hours after hosting British PM Gordon Brown at Stormont, the North's Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have returned to Downing Street in a bid to progress policing and justice talks. However, despite Sinn Féin's optimism over devolving the powers, a senior DUP figure has urged his republican colleagues to "chill out".
Policing Talks Continue In London
Hours after hosting British PM Gordon Brown at Stormont, the North's Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have returned to Downing Street in a bid to progress policing and justice talks. However, despite Sinn Féin's optimism over devolving the powers, a senior DUP figure has urged his republican colleagues to "chill out".
21 October 2009
North's Devolved Policing Budget Outlined
The funding for devolved policing and justice in the North will be made public later. UK PM Gordon Brown will outline the financial package, which has been the subject of lengthy political wrangling in recent months.
North's Devolved Policing Budget Outlined
The funding for devolved policing and justice in the North will be made public later. UK PM Gordon Brown will outline the financial package, which has been the subject of lengthy political wrangling in recent months.
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Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
