News
23rd September 09
9/23/2009
Ulster Unionist Party MLA Tom Elliott has emphasised that “the time is not right to devolve policing and justice powers until the Assembly steps up to the mark on other issues”.
Devolve in haste – repent at leisure
Ulster Unionist Party MLA Tom Elliott has emphasised that “the time is not right to devolve policing and justice powers until the Assembly steps up to the mark on other issues”.
“Put simply, there is no community confidence in the Assembly or the Executive to permit the early enactment and realisation of the devolution of policing and justice powers,” the Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA said.
“Community confidence has been shaken by recent events, and by the ongoing serious threat from republican dissidents. That is a matter that concerns us all and, in the context of devolving policing and justice powers, is surely an important consideration.
“I detect a very strong concern in the unionist community, which believes that republicans, even those in the House who are directly involved in the negotiations for the possible devolution of policing and justice powers, are not doing enough to bring the necessary information to the PSNI so that it can deal with those republican dissidents,” the UUP MLA said.
“Furthermore any financial package for the transfer of policing and justice powers needs to be tested rigorously for financial sustainability, risk management and contingency planning against potential shortfalls. Only then, and only after a period of time, should powers be transferred fully.
“Given past performance, serious questions must be asked about the ability of DUP/Sinn Féin to negotiate a proper financial package to support the devolution of policing and justice.
“We have stated our opposition to the Bill, not because we oppose the principle of the Northern Ireland Assembly having charge of the powers, as is the plan, but because we do not believe that the community has confidence in devolution at this point.
“Given that the Executive cannot sort out the mess in education and other areas, how on earth can they be expected to deal effectively and efficiently with policing and justice?”
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