DUP hits out at debate 'boycott'

DUP leader Ian Paisley called Sinn Fein 'boycotters'

Sinn Fein have been called "boycotters" by the DUP after they did not attend an assembly debate on a law and order report they helped produce.

Members debated a report from the Preparation for Government Committee.

Party leader Ian Paisley said republicans had to sign up to policing before there could be power-sharing.

He said unionists would not accept devolution of policing and justice until they were sure "the IRA was out of business".

Sinn Fein sits on the committee and helped prepare the report, but has previously said it will not take part in debates on matters over which the assembly has no power.

Mr Paisley warned that support for the police must not be a "trade-off" for undeserved rewards.

WHAT THE REPORT SAID AGREED TO DEVOLVE Single policing and justice department Devolve public order Parades Commission Criminal law Creation of offences/penalties The courts Powers of arrest Treatment of offenders Surrender of fugitives between NI and ROI Compensation for victims Local community safety partnerships Chief Inspector Criminal Justice Firearms and explosives Right of appeal NI Law Commission Social Security and Child Support Commissioners NOT AGREED Extent of devolution on public order and firearms Publication of inventories on decommissioned weapons Parties encouraging people to join the police Calling paramilitaries to co-operate fully with IICD

He said unionism resented the notion that Sinn Fein would only move when it gets what it was promised.

During the debate the SDLP's Alex Attwood accused Secretary of State Peter Hain of having a "flawed approach to policing".

He said Mr Hain had now set a new "legitimacy" for police by saying republicans should work with the police "on the ground" if they cannot sign up to policing.

Mr Attwood said this was a "false dawn" and it was not enough to just have a "relationship" with the police.

Mr Attwood said more was required "including joining the police".

The report includes agreement between the parties that there should be a single department to administer policing and justice.

The committee, however, did not agree the matter of ministerial arrangements for the parties.

It ruled out two equal ministers, but could still involve a senior and a junior minister.

The committee also agreed that public order and the Parades Commission should be devolved to the assembly.

The committee agreed to a proposal condemning the practice of exiling individuals.

However, members failed to reach agreement on a proposoal that to be included in government political parties should support the police and encourage others to do so.