The Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe said last night that all the North's political parties should join the new police boards. Bishop James Mehaffey said if the political parties refused to endorse the policing proposals, a unique opportunity would be missed.
"I think if the parties stand aside, they will be letting a wonderful opportunity slip. My word would be to say to all the political parties to endorse the policing proposals, to nominate people to the local policing boards and have a real input into the implementation of it, otherwise it will just be imposed on us and an opportunity will be missed," Bishop Mehaffey said.
"I sense that the atmosphere is changing now. We have had a few weeks of a lot of negative voices being raised. I think things are moving now in a more positive direction and it is very important that the political leaders try and read accurately what way the wind is blowing and to judge that accordingly.
"I think that amongst ordinary people, the people of the Church of Ireland whom I would know and represent, I think there is feeling we should take on board this opportunity, even though we have some serious reservations about part of it, and make it work for everyone.
"I can understand that the families who have lost loved ones who were serving police officers will have very mixed feelings about this. It does represent fairly radical change and I would sympathise with them."
Mr Peter King, a Republican Congressman and leading Irish-American voice in Congress, has said he will withhold his endorsement of the Northern Ireland policing proposal, adds Elaine Lafferty in New York. "I am withholding judgment and not endorsing the plan yet," he said.