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Talks on devolution of policing Tories must approve policing deal
(about 1 hour later)
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has warned that the devolution of policing and justice could be delayed until after the next assembly election. The First Minister wants David Cameron to approve any financial package offered by the Prime Minister for the devolution of policing and justice.
He said the powers needed to be devolved before Christmas. Peter Robinson said there is no point agreeing with one government when another might soon take its place.
Mr McGuinness and First Minister Peter Robinson will meet with the prime minister in London later. The first and deputy first ministers will meet Gordon Brown in London on Wednesday to discuss the issue.
Mr Robinson said any financial package offered to pay for devolution must have the approval of the Conservative Party, in case they form the next government. Martin McGuinness said policing and justice powers needed to be devolved before Christmas.
However, Mr Robinson argued: "There is a possibility of an alternative government and it would be irresponsible of us to simply tie up a deal, as it were, with the present occupant of Downing Street to find that in a year's time everything was to change.
"So I think we would want to have long-term certainty about our position was going to be."
'Budget shortfall'
Money clearly remains at the centre of the debate surrounding the devolution of policing and justice.Money clearly remains at the centre of the debate surrounding the devolution of policing and justice.
In the latest round of talks, the first and deputy first ministers are expected to ask Gordon Brown if he is prepared to fund a budget shortfall estimated to be around £600m.In the latest round of talks, the first and deputy first ministers are expected to ask Gordon Brown if he is prepared to fund a budget shortfall estimated to be around £600m.
Officials have been working over the summer on the figures but sources in Belfast said the treasury has not narrowed the gap sufficiently.Officials have been working over the summer on the figures but sources in Belfast said the treasury has not narrowed the gap sufficiently.
Mr McGuinness said if devolution did not take place it would be a "tragedy".Mr McGuinness said if devolution did not take place it would be a "tragedy".