Views Sought On Justice Deal

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have called on the people of the North of Ireland to examine the Hillsborough Castle Agreement, and express their views on the accord.

The First and Deputy First Ministers will today launch a campaign aimed at winning public support for the much-wrangled deal, which will eventually see policing and justice powers devolved to the Stormont Assembly.

Northern Ireland's 108 MLAs will participate in a cross-community vote on the matter on 9 March.

It is expected responsibilities for the new justice department could be transfered from Westminster to Belfast by 12 April.

The Northern Ireland Justice Bill received Royal Ascent and became law on Friday.

First Minister Robinson, the DUP leader, said it was important every citizen in the province read the Hillsborough document.

"I believe this agreement represents a considerable step towards securing the prize of a stable and peaceful Northern Ireland," he said.

"It is a sure sign that there will be no going back to the past. It is important that each and every citizen takes the time to read this agreement to fully understand what it means for them."

Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister McGuinness said: "We need to make life better for our children and for our grandchildren.

"This is what this agreement must mean in practice. I believe, with the support of the people, we can make that dream a reality."

However, a senior Ulster Unionist has said it is still too early for the public to give full consideration to all relevant factors.

UUP deputy leader Danny Kennedy said issues associated with parading and the selection of a justice minister remain outstanding.

"How can you seriously promote it at this stage with so many outstanding issues?" he asked.

"There's no identification yet of a policing and justice minister, the issue of parading is mired in controversy by public comment and the work of the executive sub-committee is awaited with interest."

(PR/GK)