Hain warns of policing 'outsider'

Somebody from outside the North's assembly could be appointed to oversee policing and justice if the political deadlock on the issue is not resolved, Peter Hain said today.

The Northern Ireland Secretary warned that the May 2008 deadline for devolution of powers to a Northern Ireland justice minister must be adhered to.

He was speaking after addressing the Assembly’s Policing and Justice Committee in Belfast today.

“This is a backstop, the overwhelming preference is to do this by consent under the agreed proceedings.

“If we get to the stage where this process is deadlocked, perhaps around May 2008, then you have to look for an alternative legislative vehicle.”

Mr Hain added that the appointee could be “somebody from a party outside the Executive or from outside the Assembly”.

Democratic Unionists have said they will share power with Sinn Féin once they are sure of that party’s commitment to policing and law and order.

Republicans had agreed to call an Ard fhéis by the end of January to endorse the policing structures but party president Gerry Adams has accused the DUP of failing in its own commitments to agree a timetable for devolution.

Both parties have experienced dissent from members concerned about the shift in policies.

Mr Hain said the March deadline for restoration of government was absolute.

“People know that on January 30 Stormont either dissolves permanently or power is devolved, it is the last chance.

“If there is wilful obstruction, some kind of deadlock almost despite the best intentions of the parties then we will have to look at another way through, but that is very much second best.”

He added that the dates for power sharing and fresh Assembly elections in March and devolved policing powers by May 2008 were achievable but said there was no point in holding elections if there was no agreement on devolution.