UUP 'To Back' SDLP Justice Bid

Ulster Unionist MLAs are reportedly poised to back the SDLP's nominee for Justice Minister at Stormont.

Senior UUP members are believed to have voiced their support for Alban Maginness to SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie.

The nationalist party has always maintained the ministry should rightfully fall to them under the d’Hondt system, which apportions Executive portfolios according to representation in the Assembly.

Mr Maginness, an MLA for North Belfast, is a qualified barrister. The UUP is said to be impressed with his credentials.

Northern Ireland's new Justice Minister, who could take office as early as 12 April, will have responsibility for policing, prisons, the courts and potentially parading.

Alliance leader David Ford has been tipped as the favourite to take the job, after the DUP and Sinn Fein ruled themselves out of the running.

The two largest parties recommended the minister should be selected on a cross-community basis.

However, a change in position by the UUP could thwart these plans. The party's MLAs voted against the Hillsborough Castle Agreement - which lays the foundations for further devolution - earlier this month. Despite this, it was passed by a majority vote.

However, UUP leader Sir Reg Empey's prospective support for an SDLP Justice Minister would conflict with his calls for a unionist appointment.

Commentators have suggested a joint SDLP and UUP move on the matter could prove politically shrewd.

It proves the UUP are committed to power-sharing, by backing a nationalist Catholic for the post.

Commentators suggest it is unlikely Sinn Fein would select an Alliance candidate, over one they are more politically aligned with.

The DUP has continued to insist UUP support is necessary to complete the transfer of policing and justice powers. This could force their hand into endorsing the UUP's preferred contender for the ministerial job.

However, others have pointed out that d’Hondt cannot be cited as a legitimate argument for an SDLP justice appointment.

If all 11 departments, including Justice, were reapportioned it is likely larger parties would select it over other portfolios such as Roads and Employment.

Sir Reg has said he and his party would "continue to assess the situation" over the two-week Easter recess.

(PR/NS)