Talks on devolving policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly could be in danger, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) warned today.
DUP Finance Minister and East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson questioned British government commitment to negotiations on financing the transfer of the powers. He said his party believed there is little point in continuing the talks with Downing Street unless progress is made soon.
The devolution of policing powers has been a source of major controversy, with Sinn Féin demanding the process be completed in line with an agreement between republicans and the DUP.
Stormont ministers are expected to discuss draft legislation on devolution today at a meeting of the Assembly’s Executive, but Mr Wilson said the talks on securing the necessary funding for the move were crucial to completing the process.
“Despite many months of detailed discussions on how justice would be financed, there is still no sign that the [British] government is serious about providing the necessary funding,” he said. “There should be no doubt that unless this matter is resolved, it would be impossible to devolve the functions."
However, Mr Wilson welcomed today’s planned discussion by Northern Ireland ministers of the draft legislation linked to establishing a new Stormont justice minister.
First Minister Peter Robinson had been expected to clear the way for a discussion of the enabling legislation on July 9th and was criticised at the time by Sinn Fein when the matter was delayed. But Mr Robinson said he wanted to give ministers sufficient time to study the enabling legislation.
Ministers will meet at Stormont Castle today where the legislation is on the agenda, which should mark a further step towards completing the process of transferring the powers from Westminster to Stormont.
On July 16th the transfer of powers to Stormont edged a step closer when Prime Minister Gordon Brown agreed a process to address outstanding financial issues.
Downing Street, Treasury and Northern Ireland Executive officials are examining all potential funding pressure points over the summer months with the intention of agreeing a monetary package by September.
The Ulster Unionist Party has, meanwhile, questioned if the political structures at the Assembly are strong enough to take on the controversial issue of policing. But other parties have said the move would help local politicians tailor the justice system to meet the needs of the Northern Ireland community.
The DUP and Sinn Féin agreed a process last November that would lead to the devolution of the powers.The deal ended a five-month stand-off that blocked meetings of the Northern Ireland Executive.
The agreement did not include a completion date for the process, but it has been suggested that devolution could be completed in the autumn.
The Sinn Féin and DUP leaderships have agreed they will not take the new Justice Ministry when it is created, with the Alliance Party favourites to hold the post.
The DUP has said it will agree to the transfer of the powers when there is sufficient public confidence and when a suitable financial package is agreed by government.