“and we support that..”

In the Cedar Lounge, WorldByStorm, correctly cautions “Still, let’s see what the DUP says..” in response to this story. [Adds DUP Chairman Lord Morrow responds here]. Meanwhile, with Northern Ireland Junior Minister, the DUP’s Jeffrey Donaldson, trying to sell NI in Washington [“While most, if not all, of US business and industry, was focused on the credit crunch, plunging stock market and impending banking crisis..”], other reports are talking up the comments of US President George Bush on the devolution of policing and justice powers. Here’s all he actually had to say on that

“But I came away with the impression that obviously the United States needs to help, and we will. But nothing will happen without clear conviction and determination by the folks who live in Northern Ireland. And there’s more work to be done. Taoiseach; as you said, the devolution of policing is important, and we support that.”

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on the same topic.

“We also look forward to seeing the devolution of policing and justice to the Northern Ireland Executive, as agreed at St. Andrew’s. This will be the last piece of the jigsaw that will give us a durable peace and prosperity that we’ve been working for, for all of these years.”

“As agreed at St Andrew’s” was echoed in the statement issued by Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams, along with another reference to fulfilling “obligations”.. Time, then, for yet another reminder of what “As agreed at St Andrew’s” actually means.

Pete Baker