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THE chances of forming a Northern powersharing executive in March have receded further followng Sinn Fein's rejection of the DUP's plan for policing and justice. The DUP is suggesting a future policing and justice minister be elected by a weighted cross-majority vote in Stormont. This would effectively exclude Sinn Fein and DUP politicians from holding the post.
However, Sinn Fein policing spokesman Gerry Kelly yesterday said his party "will not collude" in excluding itself from office. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Inside Politics, Kelly said: "What party could argue for its own exclusion in these circumstances?"
There are signs the Sinn Fein leadership is moving towards endorsing the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Although they have met privately on several occasions in recent years, Gerry Adams met chief constable Hugh Orde in what appeared a carefully choreographed meeting.
However, any change in Sinn Fein policing policy must be endorsed by a special ard fheis. It is believed that while Adams could win such a vote, it might not be with the majority he desires.
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YOU ARE HERE: 19 March 2007 / tribune.ie / 2006 / 12 / 17
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