Sparks fly in policing debate

Sparks fly in policing debate

By Martina Purdy BBC NI political correspondent

Northern Ireland's former deputy first minster Seamus Mallon has kept a low profile since withdrawing from the leadership of the SDLP last year, but from the backbenches of Westminster, he has managed to enrage Sinn Fein.

Mr Mallon's remarks during Wednesday's policing debate in the House of Commons passed over the heads of some observers, but his subtle remarks drew the wrath of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, who described them as "disgraceful".

So what has inspired this wrath?

During the parliamentary debate, the definition of what Prime Minister Tony Blair has called "acts of completion" was discussed.

Martin McGuinness: "I am absolutely astounded at the reckless intervention"

Mr Mallon put it to the Northern Ireland Secretary that Sinn Fein's participation on the Policing Board would have to come before an election and the return of devolution

Mr Mallon said: "Is not the participation in the Policing Board the first act of completion that will be necessary in relation to the (police) bill?"

This led Mr McGuinness, at a news conference in west Belfast on Thursday, to accuse the SDLP MP of effectively trying to place preconditions on power-sharing.

"I am absolutely astounded at the reckless intervention," he said.

One wonders, however, if Mr Mallon has not in turn exposed Sinn Fein's plan to play a longer game on policing.

"Coming at a sensitive time in the ongoing deliberations and negotiations taking place, I think he should know better."

The Sinn Fein negotiator expressed concern that some elements in unionism would seize on the remarks.

He alleged Mr Mallon's comments exposed the SDLP's nervousness about the elections, and about the party's acceptance and support for what he called "inadequate" policing arrangements.

One wonders, however, if Mr Mallon has not in turn exposed Sinn Fein's plan to play a longer game on policing.

Will Sinn Fein attempt to return to power sharing while making positive noises about policing without actually signing up for some months?

Indeed, Mr Mallon's remarks in the Commons came on the heels of Mr McGuinness saying his party would wish to consult more widely on the issue.

Negotiating

Is Mr McGuinness arguing on a point of principle about preconditions per se?

Or is he trying to prevent his party's strategy from unravelling?

If the party did intend to sign up before the election and the return to government, why get so exercised about the remarks?

Sinn Fein is still negotiating with the government on the policing issue, according to Mr McGuinness, who said the party continued to make progress on issues such as Special Branch and plastic bullets.

The SDLP, meanwhile, are resisting attempts by Sinn Fein to claim victories on policing.

It has argued that Sinn Fein has won little, and has jumped too late on the policing issue.

The SDLP pointed out that research on alternatives to plastic bullets was already well advanced, in line with the Patten recommendations.

It should become clear in the days ahead just what Sinn Fein has won.

This argument about who won what is expected to escalate as the election looms ever closer.

In the meantime, Sinn Fein said its participation in policing will not be resolved at its Ard Fheis this weekend, but will be decided at a special Ard Fheis yet to be called.

Sinn Fein refused to say precisely when it will call its special Ard Fheis, but Martin McGuinness will address the party about the issue on Sunday morning.