Catholic Primate Archbishop Sean Brady said today he was not prepared yet to back new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland.
|
|
Archbishop Seán Brady
|
Archbishop Brady said a number of road blocks still existed but he was hopeful they could be overcome.
He said: "We need patience, great patience. This prize has been a long time coming. Better get it right than get it quick."
The SDLP has already resisted British government pressure to sign up to the new arrangements including the nomination of members to the policing board which will oversee the new-look force.
|
Sinn Fein's insistence on full implementation of the Patten proposals on policing is also one of the key unresolved issues threatening the future of the peace process. Archbishop's Brady's comments, withholding his support for the revamped service, is bound to be a blow to the Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Peter Mandelson.
Dr Brady told BBC Northern Ireland: "We want to support this police service. The elements must be in place.
"This is not a party political matter, far from it. This is above politics. It's an essential element of the common good.
"We are engaged in discussions with various parties because we're vitally interested. We know it's of grave concern to all parties."
But Ulster Unionist MP Mr Ken Maginnis, has accused Dr Brady of totally lacking in generosity.
In a statement, Mr Maginnis said; "It is interesting and not a little frustrating that the Archbishop is able to express his feelings about policing in such unequivocal and uncompromising terms".
"The Archbishop's comments are in startling contrast to his articulation of the case for total disarmament of all terrorist weapons".
PA