North power-sharing - Sinn Féin can unlock the peace process

Sinn Féin has within its gift the clout to make considerable progress in the peace process if the meeting of the national executive called for this weekend by president Gerry Adams, as expected, is satisfied over the controversial issue of policing.

That meeting of the ard comhairle, should it decide that the party’s concerns and worries have been assuaged on policing and law and order, has the authority to summon its ard fheis which can only make the ultimate decision.

From their perspective, it was important that the timeframe of the transfer of policing and justice powers from Westminster to Stormont be spelled out to their satisfaction because the movement that Sinn Féin can precipitate cannot, and should not, be underestimated.