London and Dublin push for N. Ireland devolution deal
'Political strife would not derail process'
London and Dublin yesterday urged Northern Ireland's leaders to settle their differences over the transfer of judicial and policing powers from Westminster to the province and said this month's political strife would not derail a deal.
Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian Cowen met British leader Gordon Brown in London to discuss progress over the contentious issue for the first time since the head of Northern Ireland's executive stood aside during an inquiry over money his wife raised for her 19-year-old lover.
Peter Robinson handed over temporary control to Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) colleague Arlene Foster on Monday after disclosures about his wife's conduct threatened the province's already shaky power-sharing system.
The DUP has been resisting agreeing a deal with governing partner Sinn Fein over the handover of powers, saying the move could not take place until the unionist community had confidence in the transfer.
Mr Brown and Mr Cowen said they believed progress was achievable on the transfer of powers, the last stage in the devolution of government to Northern Ireland, despite what Mr Brown described as the "recent turbulence" in the province's politics.
"The Taoiseach and I stand united in the conviction that early completion of devolution is achievable," Mr Brown said after talks with Cowen at his Downing Street office. "With courage and collaboration between the parties this is possible."
Mr Cowen said he was encouraged that both sides in the province's assembly were continuing to negotiate over the issue.
"The legislative framework is in place, the British government has agreed a very substantial financial package to facilitate the transfer of policing and justice powers and it is time for the executive and the assembly to act," he said.
Ireland and Britain were the main sponsors of the 1998 peace agreement which aimed to end three decades of conflict in which more than 3,600 people were killed.
The dispute over the handover has brought the power sharing deal between the DUP and its former foe Sinn Fein close to breaking point. However, Ms Foster said on Tuesday she had held constructive meetings with Sinn Fein over the issue.
The handover of powers would for the first time see a justice minister appointed in the assembly and an attorney general appointed for the province. London has offered 800 million pounds to cover the cost of setting up a new department of justice in Northern Ireland.
Sinn Fein wants the transfer completed in time for British Parliamentary elections due by June.