UUP accused of 'cynical' opposition

Mar 9 2010

Martin McGuinness has accused the Ulster Unionists of opposing a deal to devolve policing powers to Northern Ireland for cynical party political reasons.

The Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister tabled a motion at Stormont that, if passed, will see justice responsibilities handed over to the power-sharing administration in April.

The UUP is the only party that has signalled its intention to vote against the proposals outlined in the landmark Hillsborough Agreement, insisting the Stormont Executive is not operating effectively enough to warrant taking on the powers.

"The UUP declared last night that they will not support this resolution," said Mr McGuinness. "That saddens and disappoints me, they are opposed in my view to the transfer for cynical party political reasons."

Hours before the crucial debate got under way, the widow of a police officer murdered by dissident republicans made a dramatic plea for all politicians to back the deal.

Kate Carroll, whose husband Pc Stephen Carroll was shot dead by the Continuity IRA exactly a year ago, said all parties should back the plan.

In a surprise call to a radio show, she said: "This morning has been very, very hard for me, and I would just ask everyone in Stormont to please get on with their job."

The UUP is also under international pressure to back the deal.

Former US president George Bush phoned Conservative leader David Cameron asking him to intervene, given the Tory Party's electoral pact with the Ulster Unionists in Northern Ireland.

But Mrs Carroll told the UUP: "I am pleading on this day that is so important to me that it's not worth it. Life is too short. It is heartbreaking that I have to get on this morning to please ask the politicians to get on with their job."