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Maskey attacks SDLP over justice Maskey attacks SDLP over justice
(1 day later)
Sinn Fein assembly member Alex Maskey has launched a scathing attack on the SDLP during an assembly debate on devolving justice powers to Stormont.Sinn Fein assembly member Alex Maskey has launched a scathing attack on the SDLP during an assembly debate on devolving justice powers to Stormont.
He said against a backdrop of dissident republicans and TUV "cavemen", the SDLP was tabling spurious amendments and failing to show leadership.He said against a backdrop of dissident republicans and TUV "cavemen", the SDLP was tabling spurious amendments and failing to show leadership.
Mr Maskey said the SDLP's approach was "disgraceful".Mr Maskey said the SDLP's approach was "disgraceful".
He said the party seemed to prefer to "sit and twiddle its thumbs and debate for hours".He said the party seemed to prefer to "sit and twiddle its thumbs and debate for hours".
Opposing two amendments to the Justice Bill, Mr Maskey said he considered it to be a "sham debate". Opposing two SDLP amendments to the Justice Bill, Mr Maskey said he considered it to be a "sham debate".
"We had two lengthy debates no later than a week ago, and I'm not sure how much was illuminated there," he said"We had two lengthy debates no later than a week ago, and I'm not sure how much was illuminated there," he said
"Individuals and parties felt it was more important to grandstand and score political points to try and make themselves more relevant than they would be otherwise.""Individuals and parties felt it was more important to grandstand and score political points to try and make themselves more relevant than they would be otherwise."
'Stepping stone' The DUP's Stephen Moutray said the SDLP amendments were uncalled for and unnecessary, while his party colleague Jim Shannon described the debate as "groundhog day".
The bill provides for the transfer of powers when policing and justice are devolved from Westminster. SDLP justice spokesman Alex Attwood said previous debates on the bill had been about the "who and when" of policing and justice, and this debate was about "character and content".
It has been described as "a stepping stone" to the devolution of the powers, but does not dictate when that should be. The amendments were defeated.
The bill passed consideration stage following a lengthy debate earlier this month.
The SDLP argue that instability would be created by the inclusion of a "sunset clause", which provides for the dissolution of the department in May 2012 if the transfer of powers is not agreed.
The SDLP and the Ulster Unionist Party also disagree with the method of appointing the new justice minister.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein has said there is no fallback mechanism contained either in other Northern Ireland legislation, or through Westminster, and he is positive that the powers will be devolved successfully.