Ahern gives 'warm welcome' to SDLP decision

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern tonight gave a "warm welcome" to statements by Northern Ireland’s SDLP and the Roman Catholic bishops on policing.

He declared: "This is an important moment in the implementation of an essential part of the Good Friday agreement."

Mr Ahern said he also welcomed the decision of the SDLP to nominate members to the planned Northern Ireland Policing Board and Directing Policing Partnerships, given their "core role in delivering the new beginning to policing in Northern Ireland".

The Taoiseach repeated the Government’s belief that a basis now existed for realising that new beginning.

And he added: "I am pleased that the SDLP shares our positive assessment that what is on offer can comprehensively deliver the spirit and substance of the Patten Report.

"I hope that other parties will soon be in a position to reach a similar assessment that the conditions have been established which can bring about a truly representative, accountable and acceptable police service for all the people of Northern Ireland.

"I look forward to all the parties playing a central role in delivering the new beginning to policing through their active participation in the work of the board."

Fine Gael also welcomed what they called "a significant announcement" by the SDLP on police reform in Northern Ireland.

Jimmy Deenihan, the party’s deputy spokesman on Northern Ireland, added: "It is now important that all parties should follow the SDLP example in the interests of the future policing of Northern Ireland."