Policing Powers Crisis Looming?

There's a rising storm today on the still contentious issue of the devolution of justice and policing powers to the Stormont Executive.

Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey (pictured) first lashed Sinn Fein for pledging to bring down the Assembly over the policing and justice issue.

He hit out after a TD in the Irish Republic vowed that his party would pull ministers out of Government in Stormont if no decision was taken to devolve powers.

Next, DUP MP and Junior Stormont Minister, Jeffrey Donaldson said that Sinn Féin must make it clear it wants to remain in devolved government in Northern Ireland at all.

Mr Donaldson said: "Do they want to stay in the Executive? If they do, let's meet and address these issues."

The heated debate began after Caoimhghin O Caolain, Sinn Fein Leader in the Irish parliament, said: "If we are forced to conclude that change will not be forthcoming from the Executive then we will have no option but to pull out our ministers and seek to put pressure where responsibility ultimately lies, which is on the British Government in London."

But Sir Reg later warned it would be disastrous if control was handed over - and accused Sinn Fein of trying to blackmail Ulster voters.

Transferring policing and justice powers from Westminster to Stormont has been one of the most contentious issues since devolution was restored to Northern Ireland.

(BMcC)