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UVF murder report 'uncomfortable' UVF murder report 'uncomfortable'
(about 3 hours later)
A forthcoming report on the police handling of a UVF murder is likely to be "extremely uncomfortable" for the British state, Peter Hain has said.A forthcoming report on the police handling of a UVF murder is likely to be "extremely uncomfortable" for the British state, Peter Hain has said.
The NI secretary was speaking at a meeting of the Preparation for Government Committee.The NI secretary was speaking at a meeting of the Preparation for Government Committee.
The Police Ombudsman is due to publish a report on the handling by police of the murder of Raymond McCord Junior.The Police Ombudsman is due to publish a report on the handling by police of the murder of Raymond McCord Junior.
Raymond McCord Junior, 22, a former RAF man, was beaten to death and his body dumped in a quarry in 1997.Raymond McCord Junior, 22, a former RAF man, was beaten to death and his body dumped in a quarry in 1997.
Mr Hain also paid tribute to the work of Nuala O'Loan as Ombudsman.Mr Hain also paid tribute to the work of Nuala O'Loan as Ombudsman.
He told the committee when her successor is appointed the decision should not be subject to an assembly vote because it was important the Ombudsman was seen to be independent of political manipulation.He told the committee when her successor is appointed the decision should not be subject to an assembly vote because it was important the Ombudsman was seen to be independent of political manipulation.
Setting communities free from criminality and the influence of paramilitaries will not just happen of its own accord or overnight Peter HainSecretary of State I think it would be an enormous boost to the prospects of doing a deal by 24 November if the Sinn Fein leadership made an unequivocal commitment to support policing Peter HainNorthern Ireland secretary
Mr Hain told assembly members that 24 November was an "absolute deadline" for progress.Mr Hain told assembly members that 24 November was an "absolute deadline" for progress.
He said, based on past experience, failure could mean no assembly for about ten years.He said, based on past experience, failure could mean no assembly for about ten years.
The committee is intended to prepare for a return to devolved government.The committee is intended to prepare for a return to devolved government.
Meanwhile, the government has said Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern will chair talks between the parties in St Andrew's, Scotland, from 11-13 October.Meanwhile, the government has said Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern will chair talks between the parties in St Andrew's, Scotland, from 11-13 October.
Last month, Mr Hain told the Preparation for Government Committee he did not see their role as scrutinising government policy or quizzing ministers on expressed views.Last month, Mr Hain told the Preparation for Government Committee he did not see their role as scrutinising government policy or quizzing ministers on expressed views.
However, he later agreed to discuss law and order matters with committee members.However, he later agreed to discuss law and order matters with committee members.
Devolution was suspended in October 2002 over allegations of a republican spy ring.Devolution was suspended in October 2002 over allegations of a republican spy ring.
The court case that followed collapsed and one of those charged, Denis Donaldson later admitted working as a British agent.The court case that followed collapsed and one of those charged, Denis Donaldson later admitted working as a British agent.
'Support policing'
Mr Hain also urged Sinn Fein to make an upfront commitment to support the new policing structures in Northern Ireland.
"I think it would be an enormous boost to the prospects of doing a deal by 24 November if the Sinn Fein leadership made an unequivocal commitment to support policing," he said.
He added: "If the DUP take the view they can bank things and not do the deal then they will paint themselves out of the picture because the assembly will be dissolved.
"It is a question of the DUP deciding whether they want to do the deal or not, whether they want to be in a position of leadership in Northern Ireland or whether they want to opt out."