The British government today resisted Democratic Unionist demands for the removal of Northern Ireland's policing board vice-chairman Mr Denis Bradley.
DUP MP Mr Nigel Dodds called for Mr Bradley's removal from his post following his comments that the British and Irish Governments may have to consider joint authority if a deal could not be forged to restore devolution.
Speaking at Westminster, Mr Dodds also described Mr Bradley's comment that nationalists' confidence in policing could ebb away in the absence of a political deal as "grossly irresponsible".
The Northern Secretary Mr Paul Murphy responded by saying Mr Bradley was entitled to his opinions. He also noted Mr Bradley had been the target of dissident republicans responsible for intimidating and attacking him and his colleagues.
"When he emphasised that progress in the peace process is important for policing, I do not think anyone would disagree with that," Mr Murphy said.