New powersharing demands from DUP
Sinn Féin must agree to the dismantling of IRA structures and return the money stolen in the Northern Bank robbery two years ago if they are to convince unionists to share power, a Democratic Unionist (DUP) MP has warned.
As Sinn Féin edged closer towards the acceptance of the Police Service of Northern Ireland by calling a special party conference on policing next month, Democratic Unionist MP the Rev William McCrea warned his community would not be sleep-walked into accepting anything less than democracy demanded.
The South Antrim MP warned Sinn Féin and the Irish and British governments: "Having once again listened to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Peter Hain), it seems he is totally devoid of any understanding of the position of unionism over the issues of policing, justice, law and order and the other measures necessary to be resolved before Sinn Féin can eventually be considered for government in Northern Ireland.
"Unfortunately, Government is so taken up with crawling and scraping to Sinn Féin/IRA that it has lost its credibility and integrity when dealing with democratic standards.
"The DUP has made it clear that policing is but one of several major issues that need positive resolution before any deal can be considered.
"My colleague Mr (Peter) Robinson MP has made it clear that the devolution of policing and justice would be several light years away. Therefore the issue is not on the radar irrespective of promises emanating from the Northern Ireland Office, London and Dublin.
"The DUP resolve remains solid on this issue but we also serve notice that many other issues need delivery.
"Sinn Féin has to agree to the dismantling of IRA structures, the handing over of IRA ill-gotten gains - including the Northern Bank robbery money, informing on those responsible for the murder of Robert McCartney, and identifying the whereabouts of the disappeared - to name but a few of the outstanding issues."
Mr McCrea's demands came after two other senior DUP members - the party chairman, Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley and MEP Jim Allister - also cast doubt on whether Sinn Féin would be able to convince unionists that it was genuinely supporting the police within the timeframe envisaged by the British and Dublin governments for achieving devolution by March 26.
The South Antrim MP also insisted the British government had to address a number of confidence-building measures for unionists before the DUP would be convinced that it should share power with Sinn Féin.
