Sinn Féin has warned against any "backsliding" on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Assembly after the DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson yesterday warned it could not happen prior to the complete dismantling of IRA structures.
Mr Donaldson issued his warning after he and a senior delegation of DUP politicians met PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde to discuss a number of issues, including the threat from dissident republicans and the killing of Paul Quinn in south Armagh.
Under the St Andrews Agreement, the British and Irish governments envisaged the transfer of policing and justice powers by next May.
The DUP, however, has insisted it never signed up to such an arrangement.
Lagan Valley MP Mr Donaldson said that Sir Hugh Orde told them that while there was "no indication" that Mr Quinn's murder was sanctioned by the IRA, there were "IRA members involved".
"We await the outcome of the police investigation but people should be under no illusions as to the seriousness of the situation. If it is shown that the Provisional IRA authorised and executed the murder of Paul Quinn, there will be serious repercussions."
The DUP wanted "full disclosure", he added. "We have made it absolutely clear that there is no room for private armies in a situation where you have the Assembly operating. It is unfinished business, it is business that needs to be finished and resolved."
Mr Donaldson said it was hoped that First Minister the Rev Ian Paisley would soon meet the Quinn family.
Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey said there could be no backsliding on the commitment to devolution of policing and justice powers. "There can be no more excuses. There is an overwhelming demand from the public for the transfer of powers on policing and justice to go ahead."