Merry-Go-Round of Debate & Speculation surrounding devolution of Policing & Justice must end, says UUP
The Ulster Unionist Party today derided the de-stabilising and constant merry-go round style debates about the Devolution of Policing and Justice. The Ulster Unionist Party is against devolving powers until there is sufficient public confidence to back the move. This confidence does not exist at present.
The Assembly’s Assembly and Executive Review Committee is hearing evidence from Mr Justice Kerr who will argue that the judiciary must remain independent if justice powers are transfered to Stormont. In addition a motion which mentions Policing and Justice is being debated in the Assembly Chamber.
Ulster Unionist Deputy-Leader Danny Kennedy said,
“It is ridiculous to be having further debate on the issue of devolving of Policing Justice when the public and majority of politicians do not have a full picture of what was actually agreed at St. Andrews almost one year ago. There is no clarity on envisaged timeframes with Sinn Fein pushing for a speedy transition, seemingly backed by the government, with the DUP saying it is too soon. This approach to the issue is shambolic, confusing and adds nothing to what the public expects: a rational, spin-free presentation of what devolving these powers actually entails.”
UUP Police Board Member Basil McCrea added,
“The Assembly is having yet another merry-go-round of debate on devolving policing and justice powers without any clarity and without having had full sight of what agreed blocks are already in place. This is no way to do business and it must end.
The public have a right to know what the government position is and what the DUP and Sinn Fein agreed in principle at St Andrews. Until we establish these most basic of facts, any debates are circumspective and largely pointless. In fact these debates have a de-stabilising effect as each party seeks to score political capital and once again turn the police into a political football.
It is time for some much needed clarity from the DUP and Sinn Fein on the issue. Tell the public your understanding of what you agreed with each other at St Andrews, or what the governments agreed on your behalf then we can take it from there.”