08/12/2009

Businesses Blast Justice Wrangling

Constant wrangling by Stormont's most influential politicians over the devolution of policing and justice powers has been slammed by business leaders.

NI Manufacturing said it was unacceptable for the province's devolved government to participate in in-fighting while many across Northern Ireland are losing their jobs.

A delegation from the trade group met with the Assembly's business trust at its AGM yesterday.

Bryan Gray, NI Manufacturing Chief Executive, said difficulties faced in the industry must be addressed by government.

"Talk about political consequences are ridiculous compared to the consequences of economic downturn," he said.

Friction between Sinn Fein and the DUP has intensified in recent weeks as progress over the transfer of policing and justice responsibilities to the local Executive entered a virtual deadlock.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness warned the Assembly could face a "full-blown crisis" if a date for devolution was not set before Christmas.

Democratic Unionists have continued to insist a local justice department cannot be established until there is full community confidence in the institutions.

(PR/KMcA)

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