THE DIVISIONS between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness that threaten the powersharing institutions were clearly exposed in Co Derry yesterday when they clashed publicly over policing and justice.
Diplomatic niceties were dispensed with at a the end of a North-South Ministerial Council press conference outside the Radisson Roe Hotel in Limavady when First Minister Mr Robinson and Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness, standing beside Taoiseach Brian Cowen, were asked about policing and justice.
Specifically, they were asked by The Irish Times whether any progress was made on parading in the light of Mr Robinson laying down movement on parading as a precondition to the devolution of justice powers.
“As parading is a vital issue for my community it is essential that it is dealt with particularly for its policing aspects,” said Mr Robinson.
Mr McGuinness said the only way to resolve the issue of contentious parades was through dialogue between residents and the marchers.
He referred to the agreement he made with Mr Robinson in November last year where both agreed a process where the transfer of policing powers should be concluded “without undue delay”.
Mr McGuinness said that parading was not a precondition.
“At no stage on that process was the issue of issues being used as preconditions for the transfer of power on policing and justice mentioned,” he said.
He also referred to a list of “confidence building” requirements relating to parading, the police fulltime reserve and other matters that Mr Robinson separately presented to British prime minister Gordon Brown during the autumn discussions on a financial package to support the proposed devolution of justice powers.
“At no stage were people contemplating sending, on solo runs, letters to prime ministers which effectively I had not seen, was not made aware of and was completely surprised by,” said Mr McGuinness.
Mr Robinson shook his head in disagreement at the remarks. In his subsequent response he demonstrated his annoyance at what Mr McGuinness had said.
“I regret the tone of the latter remarks,” he said.
“I think if Martin looks at the process paper he will see that confidence building was an essential element of it,” added Mr Robinson. While Mr Robinson spoke Mr McGuinness repeatedly shook his head in disagreement.
“I think it is clear that we do need to make progress on the issues which will build confidence in the community in Northern Ireland.
“I don’t think it is helpful for us to be going into the finer details of these matters,” said Mr Robinson.
Mr Robinson then returned to his argument that previously Sinn Féin was party to linking the transfer of policing powers to an agreement on parading.
Earlier Mr McGuinness referred to how Sinn Féin leaders persuaded its membership to sign up to supporting the PSNI.
In a loaded reference to leadership he said: “What is quite clear, and I have found this out over the course of my very long-term involvement in this peace process that when you get leadership – courageous decisive leadership – your people will come with you. That is what is required.”
Mr Robinson said leadership was provided “and not just on one side”.
Mr Cowen made no comment while Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness engaged in their verbal and head-shaking disagreement.
But earlier in the press conference he guardedly spoke of his hope that the policing and justice issue would be resolved.