No progress has been made during talks to resolve the policing and justice dispute in Northern Ireland, it was claimed tonight.
A Sinn Féin spokesman said there had been no movement from the DUP on setting a date for transferring security powers from London to Belfast despite Sinn Féin assembling its team of negotiators.
It was the first meeting since DUP leader Peter Robinson revealed his wife Iris tried to kill herself following an affair.
The Sinn Fein representative said: “No progress has been made on the date for the transfer of policing and justice powers.” The party is keen to see action as soon as possible, the DUP wants to wait until it is certain the finances and community confidence are in place.
The Sinn Féin spokesman said the negotiating team had been established in the expectation of a serious session and had informed the DUP that members were willing to stay late tonight and return tomorrow to resolve outstanding matters.
“However, no progress has been made. These issues are not Sinn Féin issues, they are part of the St Andrews Agreement, the DUP signed up to this agreement, the two governments (British and Irish) are obliged to act as guarantors,” he added.
Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness will brief senior party officials at the weekend.
PA