Robinson seeks clarification on policing
Wednesday, 14 October 2009 15:19Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson has not yet accepted the package offered by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to achieve devolution of responsibility of policing and justice powers to Stormont.
After a second meeting in Downing Street in less than 24 hours, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader was still looking for clarification on the package.
He emerged from the meeting 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 than 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'.
Sinn Féin yesterday agreed to accept Mr Brown's offer.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness carried the message from the party's Dublin meeting to Mr Brown when he and Mr Robinson met with him last 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.'
