Paisley tentatively welcomes police move

Rev Ian Paisley has described Sinn Fein's decision to get involved in policing as a step forward.

 

But the Democratic Unionist Party leader insisted the republicans have to deliver co-operation with the police on the ground if there is to be political progress at Stormont.

 

He also stated his belief that assembly elections scheduled for March 7 would go ahead.

 

"We have made headway. I wouldn't deny that. If you had told me 20 years ago that they (republicans) would be repudiating the very fundamentals of Sinn Fein/IRA, I would have laughed but that is what they have done," he said.

 

"Of course, they have done it on a post-dated cheque. Now a post-dated cheque is no good to you until the day comes and the time for paying out. They have to pay out now.

 

"I talked to the prime minister this morning and I put it to him that I thought I had spelt it out in plain language that our demands were a return to pure democracy where nobody depends on the gun, the bullet and an army and that they accept, willingly and frankly and fairly, the police, the law enforcement officers of the Crown and the courts and the rules of law.

 

"That is not asking anything of anybody, really. It is the done thing."

Paisley said the onus was firmly on Sinn Fein to deliver on policing as its national executive prepared to meet in Dublin on Tuesday.

 

"I have nothing really to do because I have done everything," the DUP leader said.

"I have accepted the agreement I was asked to accept. However I am doing nothing about putting that acceptance into operation until IRA/Sinn Fein keep their commitment. That has not yet been kept. Even what they did yesterday doesn't keep it but it is a step along the way but it is not the payout that is expected of them."