Devolution must evoke confidence, says DUP

THE Democratic Unionist Party wants to see the devolution of policing and justice powers but it must be done in a way which can inspire confidence in Northern Ireland, deputy leader Peter Robinson said yesterday.

The East Belfast MP said the IRA would have to decommission all of their arms and wind down if unionists were to agree to the transfer of policing and justice powers to a new devolved ministry at Stormont.

He defended Assembly colleague Ian Paisley Junior’s criticism of Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams last week over his comments that republicans may have to prepare for the IRA to be wound down in the context of an overall peace process deal at talks in Maidstone next month.