Blast Mars North's Justice Day

A bomb blast close to the North's MI5 headquarters has marred the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Stormont Assembly.

The device detonated at the Palace Barracks Army Base at around 12.20am, just minutes after judiciary responsibilities were transfered to the local Government, and several hours before MLAs selected the Province's new Justice Minister.

Alliance Assemblyman David Ford is expected to become the first politician accountable for Northern Ireland's prisons, courts and police in over 38 years.

This morning's attack in Holywood, Co Down, has been widely condemned and dissident Republicans have admitted planting the bomb.

It is believed the Real IRA hijacked a taxi in north Belfast and ordered the driver to place the vehicle close to the intelligence base.

According to reports, the taxi driver and his family were threatened to comply with the terrorists.

The man was able to raise the alarm shortly before the device exploded, helping security patrols evacuate the area.

No one was injured in the explosion, however one man was taken to hospital as a precaution.

More than 60 people were moved from a nearby residential area and spent the night in a community centre.

The attack coincided with the devolution of further political clout from London to the power-sharing administration at Stormont.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shaun Woodward said the "criminal few" behind the bombing have "no support anywhere".

East Belfast Assembly member Naomi Long said more details surrounding the attack still had to be established.

Condemning those responsible, the Alliance deputy leader said: "I am sure that the vast majority of people from across our community are sickened by the actions of people who seem intent on dragging Northern Ireland back into the past."

She called on locally elected representatives to "redouble efforts" to create stable political structures.

"I would also appeal for anyone with information about this incident to contact the Police so that those behind the attack can be apprehended," added Mrs Long.

Police have also appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Northern Ireland's 108 MLAs will appoint a Justice Minister this afternoon. The Government's two largest parties, DUP and Sinn Fein, are expected to back Mr Ford's nomination, while the SDLP will push for its candidate Alban Maguinness.

The UUP could also vote in favour of Nationalist Mr Maguinness.

The Unionist party's MLAs voted against supporting the Hillsborough Castle Agreement in March.

The agreement laid the foundations for the process of devolving policing and justice to Stormont. It was overwhelmingly backed by Assembly members.

(PR/BMcC)