DUP seeks clarification of SF withdrawal threat
The DUP is demanding that Sinn Féin clarify whether it is really threatening to pull out of the power-sharing Executive in the North.
The call follows a speech by Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghin O' Caolain in which he warned that power-sharing could collapse unless the DUP agreed to a date for the devolution of policing and justice powers.
These powers were due to the transferred from London to Stormont last May, but the move was blocked by the DUP, which says unionists still need time to assess the IRA's future intentions.
Mr O' Caolain told a recent republican gathering that Sinn Féin had changed its policy on policing on the assumption that policing and justice would be transferred by May, but it is now the end of August and there isn't even an agreed date.
The DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson has condemned the comments, saying threatening language is neither constructive nor helpful.
| Related Stories: |
|
