DUP voters 'want police devolved'

The poll, commissioned by the Northern Ireland Office, suggests a majority of DUP supporters believe the May 2008 target date is about right.

The survey comes after Ian Paisley said he had "absolutely no intention" of introducing a devolution proposal.

The DUP has said there was not enough public support to transfer power yet.

However, Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward said the findings of the survey showed even among DUP supporters there was a belief that the powers should be transferred soon.

"Those who have been saying there is no support for the transfer of powers - I am not sure what they are basing that on.

"While an opinion poll is not a science, I think what this does show is that when the parties reach agreement as to when they want to devolve policing and justice they will be supported by an overwhelming majority of the public", he said.

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey said the poll supports the evidence coming from local people and undermines the myth that some sections of the community do not support the move.

But Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson accused the government of cynically trying to "bounce" unionists into accepting a swift transfer of powers.

An Assembly committee is due to report back early in March on the mechanics of setting up a devolved policing and justice ministry.

However, it is believed the committee, which includes DUP, Sinn Fein, Ulster Unionist and SDLP members, will not be able to reach agreement on when those powers should be transferred from Westminster.

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