DEPUTY FIRST Minister Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin has complained he has been unable to establish a close working relationship with First Minister Peter Robinson of the DUP, insisting the fault is not on his part.
Comments from Mr McGuinness yesterday point to a deterioration in his relationship with Mr Robinson over the failure to conclude a deal with British prime minister Gordon Brown that would lead to the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Executive.
His irritation appeared motivated by a failure of he and Mr Robinson to hold a further meeting with Mr Brown this week to try to formalise an agreement on future funding for policing and justice. Mr Robinson said yesterday there were still issues to be resolved over financing with the British treasury and that there was no point in holding a Downing Street meeting until these matters were resolved.
Mr McGuinness, however, held a press conference at Stormont yesterday suggesting that Mr Robinson was engaging in needless delay. “This isn’t a time to be getting cold feet,” he said.
“I have to record my annoyance at the fact I have not been able to develop a close working relationship with Peter Robinson. That is through no deficiency or lack of effort on my part,” he said.
Mr Robinson responded yesterday evening by saying that it was “regrettable”.
“The deputy should try and control himself, especially when in public.”
