British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told Northern Ireland’s politicians that a date for the devolution of policing and justice powers has to be agreed.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said 10 years of progress could be at risk if they do not take the final steps towards full devolution.
His call for devolution to be completed comes as the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin are deadlocked over the issue.
“To falter now - to lose the will that has defined your progress - would be worse than a setback; it would put at risk everything that has been achieved by the work and sacrifice of the past decade and more,” said Mr Brown.
“So my message to you is to have confidence. To stay the course, to continue your work and reach the final settlement.”
The division between the two parties that dominate the Northern Ireland Cabinet has threatened the stability of the power-sharing administration, but today Mr Brown encouraged politicians to find a way forward.
The British Prime Minister said the Northern Ireland political parties should show the world that the peace and prosperity they have achieved is here to stay.
“And if you make this commitment, then we in the British government will match your resolve and do everything within our power to support you in it.
“Because we have not only prepared the ground for the transfer, but we stand ready to help you through a smooth transition.
“We pledged in the St Andrews Agreement that we could be ready to transfer powers one year after the Assembly was elected. And we have kept that promise.
“So now leaders here in Northern Ireland must reach agreement between themselves and set the date for the transfer of policing and justice from the Secretary of State to a Justice Minister, in and of Northern Ireland.”
The St Andrews political agreement of 2006 paved the way for power-sharing government and while it envisaged the transfer of policing powers to Stormont by May this year, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) never accepted the date.
Tonight the party’s deputy leader Nigel Dodds said the Prime Minister’s appeal would have no effect on its argument that the conditions were not yet right for the move.
“This does not affect our position. Our position on policing and justice remains the same,” said Mr Dodds.
“We are under no pressure at all. The only pressure comes from the people and what is in the best interests of the people.
“We will not be signing up to any dates or deadlines.”
He added: “It is disappointing that the Prime Minister comes in and seems to have a view that investment and progress depends on this, when it does not.”
PA