Adams: 'Time right for transfer of justice powers'

The time is right for the transfer of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams insisted today.

Senior party members gathered at Leinster House in Dublin to discuss the controversial issue as well as the upcoming referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

Despite calls from Gordon Brown and Bertie Ahern for the North’s politicians to complete devolution by taking on justice responsibilities, the DUP has said no transfer could occur while the IRA Army Council exists.

“The transfer of power on policing and justice issues is not simply a matter for Sinn Féin,” Mr Adams said.

“All communities want effective, accountable and responsive policing.

“They want a justice system, which delivers for them.

“Local politicians in the Assembly and Executive are the only people who can deliver this.

“The two governments agree with Sinn Féin on this matter. So does the US administration and importantly those actually involved in delivering policing and justice in the north are arguing for transfer,” he said.

Mr Adams has previously said the devolution of policing and justice this year remains the major challenge facing Northern Ireland’s politicians.

The St Andrews Agreement, signed in 2006, earmarked a May deadline for the hand-over.

However First Minister the Rev Ian Paisley firmly ruled any early transfer of powers until a number of conditions were met, including the IRA Army Council being disbanded.

The Sinn Féin leader today also discussed the party’s ongoing campaign to oppose the Lisbon Treaty.

Last week Mr Ahern criticised Sinn Féin’s stance and branded opponents of the Treaty “loo-las of every kind and shape” who advocated “loony-left” policies.

Mr Adams called on the Taoiseach to stop making personal attacks and set a date for the referendum.

“It is time that the Taoiseach set the date for the referendum and actually engaged in the debate on the implications of the Lisbon Treaty for this country.

“Let’s talk about the politics and have a battle of ideas and end the scaremongering and personal attacks,” he said.