Paisley denies power-sharing rift

The assembly session reconvened on Monday

DUP leader Ian Paisley has denied that his party is split over going into government with Sinn Fein.

Mr Paisley said he believed his party had now "got over this" and members had a better understanding of where they were going.

"The DUP are a very independent party," he said.

The assembly resumed business after Friday's attack by loyalist Michael Stone who has been charged with attempted murder.

Assembly Speaker Eileen Bell said: "No-one should underestimate the very real danger everyone in the building faced.

"The devices that were defused may have been crude in nature, but were no less life threatening for that.

"Nor should we underestimate the extraordinary courage shown by our doorkeepers in confronting that danger."

Security was stepped up for Monday's meeting and police officers were in position at the front entrance of Parliament Buildings.

Mrs Bell told assembly members that a review of security had been ordered to address a future police presence, additional security measures and evacuation procedures.

The Alliance leader David Ford, whose speech was interrupted by the alert on Friday then concluded his remarks.

The UK Unionist leader, Robert McCartney called on DUP leader Ian Paisley to clarify his position on his nomination as first minister.

Gerry Adams called for clarification on timing

Speaking afterwards, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said his party would use a meeting of the Programme for Government committee to try to address outstanding issues.

He called on NI Secretary Peter Hain to clarify the timing of the devolution of justice and policing.

He also made a general appeal to republicans and nationalists.

"This is a difficult process. It is very much inch by inch. It is a matter of trying to bring representatives across a line and into a new place."

Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said republicans needed to move on policing.

He also said that "the difficulty for Ian Paisley is, that he has gone around the country for years denouncing all of us who were prepared to take risks - he has now done a U-turn and he hasn't prepared his base."

SDLP leader Mark Durkan accused Sinn Fein of effectively handing a "permanent veto" to the DUP on the issue of the devolution of justice and policing.

Mr Adams and deputy Martin McGuinness attended the Programme for Government Committee meeting on Monday, but it is understood Mr Paisley did not.

The DUP insist that Sinn Fein must now call an Ard Fheis on policing.

Peter Hain said there had to be clarity on the issues

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain is seeking clarification about the timing of the Ard Fheis and whether it will come before 7 March election.

Mr Hain also said certain members of the DUP need to stop saying they will never accept the devolution of justice and policing in their lifetime.

On Friday, DUP leader Ian Paisley said that if all his conditions were fulfilled he would accept the first minister's post after a spring election.

Sinn Fein nominated Martin McGuinness as deputy first minister.