Public urged to examine justice deal

An advertising campaign is to urge the public to read the Hillsborough Agreement that secured a settlement on the devolution …

An advertising campaign is to urge the public to read the Hillsborough Agreement that secured a settlement on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Assembly.

First minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness unveiled the deal earlier this month alongside Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Now the Assembly leaders have announced plans to launch a campaign asking the public to read the detail of the plan which should see the devolution of policing powers by April 12th, while also establishing new arrangements to oversee loyal order parades.

Mr Robinson said: “I believe this agreement represents a considerable step towards securing the prize of a stable and peaceful Northern Ireland.

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“It is a sure sign that there will be no going back to the past.

“It is important that each and every citizen takes the time to read this agreement to fully understand what it means for them.”

Mr McGuinness said: “We need to make life better for our children and for our grandchildren.

“This is what this agreement must mean in practice. I believe, with the support of the people, we can make that dream a reality.”

The advertising campaign aims to ensure that people read the Agreement and forward any views they may have on it to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

The political deal was agreed after nearly two weeks of round-the-clock talks at Hillsborough Castle.

It promises to end the long-running dispute over the transfer of policing powers, bring greater local input into solving disputes over controversial parades, while also pledging to resolve issues contained in the St Andrews agreement of 2006, but which have yet to be implemented.

PA