British hope legislation will bring fresh momentum in North

FRESH momentum will be generated in the search for a political breakthrough in the North by new legislation published yesterday.

Northern Secretary of State Peter Hain has been given power to call a snap Assembly election in legislation published yesterday in a bid to break the political logjam and restore devolved government.

The Northern Ireland Miscellaneous Provisions Bill will pave the way for responsibility for policing and criminal justice being put in the hands of the locally elected politicians - if they agree to govern together.

It gives Mr Hain power to call a snap Assembly election if there is a political agreement - rather than waiting until the currently designated time of spring 2007.

It also opens the way for redrafting of legislation in the light of any agreement, tightens up the laws on donations to political parties and increases the borrowing powers of any local administration.

Northern Ireland Political Development Minister David Hanson said the bill provided “a range of measures which I hope are going to help with the momentum of the political process”.

He added: “I think the bill provides the framework for the development of the peace process - foundations for movement.”

Speaking at Stormont ahead of a fresh series of discussions with the political parties, Mr Hanson said: “I am very confident there is still a willingness to look at how we can take forward the process.”

He added that “2006 is the key date for the return of the Assembly”.

However, Mr Hanson admitted: “No one will deny the fact that there are real challenges - but the momentum is still there for the government to show that we are still committed to try to take this process forward.

“I am an optimist by nature; I have to be optimistic about the fact that we have the potential for a political settlement in Northern Ireland.”