Alliance could sit on policing devolution committee

The Alliance Party could be part of the Stormont committee considering devolving policing and justice, it was claimed today.

The DUP called for the panel addressing the controversial issue to investigate whether to include a member of David Ford's party.

Alliance has been touted as a potential candidate for holding the local security powers ministry, a crucial issue in the Executive stand-off between Sinn Fein and the DUP.

Simon Hamilton (DUP, Strangford) said: "We were always consistently in favour of them (Alliance), right from the start, having a place on the (Assembly and Executive Review) Committee.

"I think it is important, if we are scoping out what we are going to do, that that situation is resolved in terms of getting another member."

He said he was prepared to propose that an Alliance MLA be brought on board.

Sinn Fein and the DUP have already agreed that neither will hold the key policing position.

First Minister Peter Robinson has said devolution of policing will happen but warned he would not be bullied into making the change prematurely.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams claimed there were bigoted elements of the DUP who didn't want a Catholic about the place and opposed power-sharing in any form.

The Executive Review Committee agreed to investigate any procedural changes required.

There are 11 members of the committee and any increase would require the assent of the Assembly. Alternately, one existing member could agree to drop out.

The ministerial Executive has not met for four months in a dispute about policing, education reform and the Irish language act.

Mr Ford said: "Alliance is always willing to play a constructive role.

"Alliance has put forward detailed proposals for necessary reforms to the structures of government and we would welcome the opportunity to participate in the committee with the responsibility for this.

"It would be sensible for us to be on this committee given the stalemate and the need for fresh ideas to help break the deadlock.

"I believe that the Executive parties could do with our help in addressing the issues and I welcome this indication that Alliance is to be included."