Murphy seeks commitment from parties

The Northern Secretary, Paul Murphy, has said that former paramilitary prisoners will be allowed to serve on local policing boards in the North if they complete the transition from violence.

However, Murphy says that the Irish and British Governments are not persuaded that the time is right to introduce these changes now.

Murphy's announcement was made at the 25th plenary session of the British Irish Inter-parliamentary body gives ex-prisoners a breathing space to convert to democracy.

The Northern Secretary says he is leaving it up to the respective parties to ultimately decide if ex-prisoners had made the transition from violence to a peaceful society.

Murphy said that while there is no definite timetable in mind, he wants a commitment from the parties representing paramilitaries as soon as possible.

The next move now is up to parties such as Sinn Fiin and the PUP, who will be forced to formally admit that the war in the North is finally over for once and for all.