Ahern praises decision on policing reform

The decision by the SDLP and the North's Catholic bishops to back policing reform marked an important moment in the implementation of the Belfast Agreement, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said last night.

"It is the Government's belief that a basis now exists for realising the new beginning in policing envisaged in the agreement," he said.

"I am pleased that the SDLP shares our positive assessment that what is on offer can comprehensively deliver the spirit and substance of the Patten Report."

Last week, following a meeting with the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, Mr Ahern heightened pressure on the party to back the policing package.

Urging the Ulster Unionists to join with the SDLP, he said: "I hope that the other parties will soon be in a position to reach a similar assessment that the conditions have been established which can bring about a truly representative, accountable and acceptable police service for all the people of Northern Ireland. I warmly welcome the statements by the Catholic bishops and the SDLP on new policing arrangements for Northern Ireland.

"Given the core role of the Policing Board and District Policing Partnerships in delivering the new beginning to policing in Northern Ireland, I also warmly welcome the decision of the SDLP to nominate members to these bodies. This is an important moment in the implementation of an essential part of the Good Friday agreement," he said.

"I look forward to all the parties playing a central role in delivering the new beginning to policing through their active participation in the work of the board."

The SDLP's decision on policing has been warmly welcomed by one of the key figures in Irish-American politics, Congressman Ben Gilman. Mr Gilman, the chair of the House International Relations Committee, "strongly welcomed" the SDLP's decision. "It heralds a new era of accountable policing where both communities can have a say in the future of Northern Ireland and fair and impartial enforcement of the rule of law," he said yesterday.