Democratic Unionists Rule Out Devolved Policing By Deadline Of May '08

This week the Democratic Unionists ruled out devolution of policing and justice to the Northern Ireland Assembly by next May.

Speaking for the DUP, Nigel Dodds said that confidence did not exist among unionists that the structures of the IRA had been dismantled.

Sinn Féin on the other hand have pressed for quick action and believe no hurdles remain.

Mr Dodds said: "The DUP has never signed up to the May 2008 target date or any other date. That is a date set by the Government and doesn't bind us.

"We have consistently argued that there can be no transfer of any powers relating to policing until there is the necessary confidence and support within the community.

"The pressure must and will be maintained on republicans. The ball is firmly in the Sinn Féin camp and they need to deliver and deliver quickly."

A cross-party Assembly committee has been established to work towards the May date, headed by the DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson.

Devolution of policing and justice was a key demand of Sinn Féin and a major factor in their agreement to work with the police earlier this year.

A spokesman for Sinn Féin said all parties had agreed to the May date at St Andrews.

"It is very clear on the timetable for policing and justice and we expect that timetable to be kept.

"Sinn Féin have never had any hurdles to overcome, our community doesn't have to overcome hurdles for anybody."