A threat by Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson to resign if British emblems are dropped from the region’s prisons sparked crisis talks today with Stormont’s justice minister.
In a shock announcement the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader said he would force elections if a modernisation of prisons included the shedding of British emblems to attract Catholic employees.
Following private talks with justice minister David Ford, it was confirmed that no such proposals were on the table, and Sinn Féin said Mr Robinson should “calm down” over the issue.
The potential for a change in royal symbols at jails and on prison uniforms was reported last week when details of a £60 million severance package were announced for serving prison officers.
But the issue took on greater political significance yesterday when leader of the hardline Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) Jim Allister quizzed Mr Ford on the issue in the Assembly.
Mr Ford suggested that changing the royal title on prisons or altering the service’s uniform and badge was an operational matter, sparking unionist anger.
Today Mr Robinson said any such change was out of the question: “It will not happen on my watch, let’s make this very clear.”
He added: “If we are unable to block it in the Assembly, I will resign my position in order to force an election and allow the electorate to decide the issue.”
Following talks, the justice minister tonight said: “As everyone will be aware, we are currently engaged in an extensive programme of reform within the prison system, but no decisions have been taken in relation to symbols, and there are currently no proposals on my desk in relation to symbols.
“I have had discussions today with the First Minister and deputy First Minister about prison reform.
“It is clear from those discussions that there are significant and controversial aspects of the reform programme that should be considered by the executive. I agree, indeed some aspects of the programme require a cross-departmental approach and I have already written to colleagues about that.
“At the same time there are aspects of the reform programme that are my responsibility to consider, just as there will be aspects for prison service management to consider.
“The challenge for all of us collectively is to work together to deliver the level of prison reform that our community needs.”
Tonight Mr Allister kept up the pressure by tabling a motion of no confidence in Mr Ford.
The TUV leader said: “David Ford’s attempt to bring such radical change to the prison service without so much as consulting the Assembly shows that he is unfit for office.
“If Peter Robinson really is so exercised about Mr Ford’s plans, doubtless the DUP will back this (no confidence) proposal.
“Remember, Alliance only hold the ministry because it was gifted to them by the DUP and Sinn Féin/IRA.” Mr Ford was elected Justice Minister following a deal between the DUP and Sinn Féin around the devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster to Stormont.
Under the terms of the agreement, which runs out next year, Mr Ford emerged as an agreed candidate after the two largest parties refused to allow each other to hold the sensitive post.
Mr Ford is involved in implementing a major overhaul of the prison system, which evolved during the decades of violence, but which a string of damning reports have said is unfit for the needs of the 21st century.
Last week he unveiled a £60 million redundancy package to allow prison officers who served during the Troubles to leave the service, so new staff can be recruited.
He said the reform package had to include an enhanced exit scheme to recognise the service of prison staff - with 29 members murdered during the Troubles.
Last Friday he laid a wreath in honour of murdered prison staff at an annual remembrance ceremony.
The redundancy scheme is one element of wide reform which will see a major shake-up of all facets of the prison regime.
Prison officer ranks include nearly 1,800 uniformed staff, with around 80 per cent drawn from the Protestant community, 10 per cent from the Catholic community and 10 per cent of non-denominational background.
Mr Ford has already said he would oppose a 50/50 recruitment scheme for Protestants and Catholics, such as the one that was used over the last decade to reshape the police service in Northern Ireland.
PA