DUP Backs Justice Deal

Democratic Unionist Assembly members have given their unanimous support to a deal that will see policing and justice powers devolved to the North's power-sharing government.

The party's 35 MLAs backed the blueprint document following a round of late night talks at Stormont last night.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams welcomed the agreement, which is the result of months of inter-party wrangling.

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Irish counterpart Brian Cowen arrived in the province this morning to witness an Assembly session discussing the deal.

The Ulster Unionist Party did not enter talks, stating it would take time to consider the agreement.

DUP First Minister Peter Robinson said the deal was consistent with his party's manifesto.

"Everyone [within the DUP] present believes that this is consistent with our election manifesto and pledges we have made to the people," he said shortly before midnight on Thursday.

"We look forward to going to Hillsborough and the document should be published."

Mr Robinson said the justice agreement had the basis to gain community confidence from the unionist electorate.

"It does more than dealing with devolving further powers. It deals with how we deal with the powers that we have," said the First Minister.

The Orange Order is expected to announce its support for the agreement later.

Alliance leader David Ford, who is tipped to secure the justice ministerial portfolio, said challenges could still lie ahead but he was confident Northern Ireland was entering a "more positive era".

"This is what the people of Northern Ireland have waited so long to hear and it means that the Executive can get back to the real work of providing quality services and strengthening our economy," he said.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan said his party would be proofing the deal to 'pre-empt' an possible problems.

Anti-power sharing party, the Traditional Unionist Voice said the DUP had "buckled" and "let the country down" by finding a resolution to the transfer of policing and justice powers.

"The deal the DUP so meekly accepted tonight is the same deal they rejected," said TUV leader, and former DUP MEP Jim Allister.

"The deal hasn't changed, only the snowmen of the DUP who melted once the heat came on."

It is believed a new justice minster will be selected on a cross-community basis by the Assembly on 9 March, with the eventual devolution of judiciary, prisons and security matters from Westminster to Belfast happening by 12 April.

(PR/GK)