Unionists doubt republicans can deliver St Andrews commitments

09/12/2006 - 13:51:37
It is getting increasingly hard to believe that Sinn Féin can meet its commitment under the St Andrews Plan for power-sharing at Stormont, a senior Democratic Unionist MP claimed today.

North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds cast doubt on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's and British Prime Minister Tony Blair's timetable for devolution by March 26.

And he also moved to scotch suggestions that the Democratic Unionist Party was divided over the party's handling of the St Andrews Plan.

“The DUP has a clear united policy which is the resolution that was passed by our executive on November 9,” he said.

“It says there can only be agreement when there is delivery by the republican movement on a host of issues. Those are a commitment to uphold the rule of law, support the police and the courts, a commitment to purely democratic means and an end to paramilitary and criminal activity.”

Mr Blair and Mr Ahern are hoping that fresh Assembly elections will take place in early March in preparation for a new devolved Government on March 26.

However major stumbling blocks remain, primarily over policing.

Sinn Féin is the only party of the four parties who would qualify for devolved ministries which does not support the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The Reverend Ian Paisley's DUP wants Sinn Féin to publicly endorse the PSNI before a power-sharing government will be formed.