Robinson 'welcomes' plans publication

Published Wednesday, 14 October 2009

First Minister Peter Robinson has said he would welcome the publication of Prime Minister Gordon Brown's proposals outlining the transfer of policing and justice powers.

Reacting to speculations that Gordon Brown could show the assembly the devolution budget, the DUP leader said: "I would welcome the publication of Prime Minister's proposals to inform the public on this important issue."

"I also believe it would be most useful for the prime minister's proposals to be shared with the Assembly and Executive Review Committee."

"In addition to finance arrangements, work remains to be done on other institutional arrangements as well as measures that are needed in order to achieve community confidence," Mr Robinson added.

'Issues'

After a second meeting in Downing Street in less than 24 hours the DUP leader is still looking for clarification on the package.

Earlier on Wednesday, he emerged from No 10 and said: "There are two issues we still have to have clarified. They are important issues and they go to the heart of what's required.

"I hope that the Prime Minister can clarify these matters as soon as possible. I hope he can do it today."

Mr Robinson did not detail just what it is he is not yet convinced about.

He was accompanied to the meeting by party colleague and Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson, who supported Mr Robinson's cautious approach.

He said the package terms were "much better that they would have been if he had given in to the urgings to settle three weeks ago."

Mr Robinson had "dug his heels in and got us a better deal".

On Tuesday, Sinn Fein agreed to accept the Prime Minister's offer and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness carried the message from the party's Dublin meeting to Gordon Brown when he and Mr Robinson met with him on Tuesday night.

Mr McGuinness said only technical issues were holding up completion of the deal.

"This is not about figures at this stage. This is about technical issues - that will not prevent us from moving forward."

As he left Downing Street he said he hoped to have talks with the other parties in Belfast on Thursday on the package.

Comments

4 Comments

Gerard in Belfast wrote (952 days ago):

In fairness to the DUP, they are only trying to play the I want game that sinn fein has played forever.

jd in north of lurgan wrote (953 days ago):

This constant prevarication by Robinson is becoming tedious in the extreme. The DUP are really in a lose lose situation here and it is all of their own making. The longer they continue this the deeper the hole gets, but I will happily hand them a bigger shovel.

Jim in USA wrote (953 days ago):

The DUP just can't get the thought of sharing power on an equal bases, with Nationalists. They still cling to the illusion of inclusion. What a sorry excuse for a leader, Mr. Robinson is.

Paul in Belfast wrote (953 days ago):

Martin no disrespect mate but you should really start sounding a little negative about this deal because then you might get Peter Robinson to go for it, it's your positive attitude thats pushing him to argue more!