SF Threat Over DUP 'Delays'

Halting the transfer of policing and justice powers to the Northern Assembly until after the next general election would be "reckless", a senior Sinn Féin figure has said.

National Chairman Declan Kearney claimed the DUP and Northern Ireland Office were "playing fast and loose" with negotiations.

Speaking to An Phoblacht, Mr Kearney said First Minister Peter Robinson had a decision to make.

"Today, unionists can exercise power in the 'Six Counties' only if they accept partnership and equality.

"And, if the DUP can't do partnership and equality, then it won't be doing government either."

However, Mr Kearney stopped short of saying the Stormont government could potentially collapse.

He claimed the DUP was still capable of raising "new and more preconditions", which he believes could jeopardise the £1bn funding arrangement laid out by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

"Their introduction of the parades precondition may not necessarily mean they are opposed to the transfer of power - although it might.

"But it demonstrates they are considering the reckless scenario of pushing transfer of powers beyond next year's Westminster election."

He said any assumptions by the Prime Minister, Secretary of State Shaun Woodward or the DUP that Sinn Féin "will simply roll over" were wrong.

"They are codding themselves and no one else."

(PR/KMcA)