“There will come a time when [Peter Robinson] and I will have to decide a date..”

In the first video BBC NI’s Jim Fitzpatrick and Mark Devenport discuss the alternative briefings from the DUP and from Sinn Féin ahead of tomorrow’s meeting between the Northern Ireland First and deputy First Ministers and the Prime Minister. Below the fold, Chairman of the NI Assembly and Executive Review Committee, the DUP’s Jimmy Spratt, in London to meet Justice Secretary Jack Straw, answers the question, “Where stands the whole process of devolving policing and justice..?” Also below the fold, the NI deputy First Minister, Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness, clarifies his previous comments about the uncontentious issue of devolving justice powers – apparently it wasn’t “contentious” during the election campaign – and he answers another question, “Would it not make sense to have a target date?” Which is where we came in..

Chairman of the NI Assembly and Executive Review Committee, the DUP’s Jimmy Spratt, answers the question, “Where stands the whole process of devolving policing and justice..?”

NI deputy First Minister, Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness, clarifies his previous comments about the uncontentious issue of devolving justice powers – apparently it wasn’t “contentious” during the election campaign – and he answers another question, “Would it not make sense to have a target date?” – “There will come a time when [Peter Robinson] and I will have to decide a date when this will happen.” [Or else? – Ed].

Pete Baker