IT IS difficult – and sometimes dangerous – for a politician in Northern Ireland to provide the kind of leadership that circumstances demand. But that is what the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Peter Robinson, should do by agreeing an early devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Executive. Such courageous action would help to cement the political accommodations that have been so painstakingly reached, while isolating dissident republicans and loyalist paramilitaries. Progress may be delayed, however, because of the June European elections.
This is an extremely dangerous time for Northern Ireland. Two young soldiers and a police officer have been shot dead by dissident republicans and innocent bystanders wounded within the past month. A calculated campaign aimed at disrupting social life through bomb scares and the hijacking and burning of vehicles by armed men has subsequently been used to ratchet up tensions. The possibility exists that these activities may provoke loyalist paramilitaries into some form of retaliation. In such fraught circumstances, the leaders of all political parties have a responsibility to pull together.
Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward has urged a review committee at Stormont to meet this challenge by completing the devolution of policing and justice powers. In doing so, he echoed a recommendation made by the Independent Monitoring Commission, which argued that such action would help to bring about the integration of law enforcement and other public services and help to detach the extremist fringes in both communities. In the same context, former police ombudsman Nuala O’Loan had warned that unless politicians and community activists worked together, the peace process could begin to unravel.
The recent murders and outbreaks of violence have stirred fears of a return to the bloody mayhem of the past. But First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have stood together to condemn those responsible and to reassure both communities that the way forward is through peace and co-operation. Their measured statements, along with high profile visits to the US and to Brussels, have helped to forge a positive public image. That perception stands in stark contrast to the bad-tempered episode that paralysed the workings of the Executive for five months last year.
Difficulties remain. A bitter distrust of Sinn Féin survives within the unionist community that could be harnessed at election time. That is why the DUP is reluctant to reach an accommodation until the autumn. Adequate funding for the new department of justice, the police and judiciary is also a matter of concern. And while an informal arrangement would have the ministerial position go to Alliance, rather than to the DUP or Sinn Féin, this deal has been challenged by the SDLP. All of these issues can be resolved quickly, given political goodwill. But postponing decisions for months because of a pending election represents a dreadful risk in present circumstances. Mr Robinson should harden his resolve and move forward.