Back devolution with cash, UK govt urged
The British government was today told to put in place the proper funding to enable the devolution process in the North to take effect.
Democratic Unionist spokesman Nigel Dodds said there were still a range of outstanding issues that needed to be addressed before the March 26 deadline for the establishment of the new power-sharing executive.
Northern Secretary Peter Hain said there was now a “historic opportunity” for the political parties in the country.
At Commons question time in the British parliament, Mr Dodds, who won a seat at Stormont in last week’s elections, also called for Sinn Féin to deliver on their promises of support for the rule of law.
He said: “Central to the stunning and tremendous victory of the DUP in the elections was our requirement for delivery by republicans and government on a whole range of outstanding issues if devolution is to happen.
“Delivery by republicans in terms of support for policing, unambiguous and clear, support for the courts and the rule of law, ending of criminality, paramilitarism and all the rest.
“But also delivery by government – not least on a financial package. At the moment what we are hearing from government falls well short of what is going to be necessary.”
He asked Mr Hain to ensure that an adequate package will be available to ensure devolution can be established and “a success is made of any future administration”.
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