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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Top judge argues for independence | Top judge argues for independence |
| (about 5 hours later) | |
| Northern Ireland's top judge is making a rare public speech to argue the judiciary must remain independent if justice powers transfer to Stormont. | |
| Sir Brian Kerr is giving evidence to a committee examining the proposed devolution of policing and justice. | |
| He is to emphasise that judges need to be shielded from political influence. | He is to emphasise that judges need to be shielded from political influence. |
| Sinn Fein wants policing devolved by next May but the DUP insists that would be too soon, in what is one of the assembly's most contentious issues. | Sinn Fein wants policing devolved by next May but the DUP insists that would be too soon, in what is one of the assembly's most contentious issues. |
| As part of its work, the Assembly and Executive Review Committee has to report by next February on preparations for devolving policing and justice responsibilities. | As part of its work, the Assembly and Executive Review Committee has to report by next February on preparations for devolving policing and justice responsibilities. |
| Mr Justice Kerr is appearing before the committee, which is chaired by DUP MLA Jeffrey Donaldson. | |
| 'Triple lock' | 'Triple lock' |
| Speaking in a personal capacity, Mr Donaldson said his party had a veto over the devolution of policing and justice. | Speaking in a personal capacity, Mr Donaldson said his party had a veto over the devolution of policing and justice. |
| "We have secured a triple lock - the first minister has to approve devolution, then it has to get approved by the Assembly on a cross-community vote, and then by Parliament." | "We have secured a triple lock - the first minister has to approve devolution, then it has to get approved by the Assembly on a cross-community vote, and then by Parliament." |
| However, the committee's deputy chairman, Raymond McCartney of Sinn Fein, said the transfer of policing and justice powers was a "natural progression" following the restoration of devolution last May. | However, the committee's deputy chairman, Raymond McCartney of Sinn Fein, said the transfer of policing and justice powers was a "natural progression" following the restoration of devolution last May. |
| "None of the criminal justice agencies see any reason why it shouldn't be as soon as possible," he said. | "None of the criminal justice agencies see any reason why it shouldn't be as soon as possible," he said. |