Devolution: reactions to the vote
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Taoiseach Brian Cowen
“This is a significant step forward for the people of Northern Ireland, with overwhelming support from all sections of the community.
“It sends a clear message of confidence in the future, and commitment to build on the gains of the peace process that have been achieved over the last 12 years.”
Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward MP
“It is the vote of confidence in the peace process and the political process”.
“This vote will enable me to lay Orders in Parliament to give effect to the devolution of policing and justice on 12 April, in line with the timetable set out in the Agreement at Hillsborough Castle”.
Northern Ireland Chief Constable Matt Baggott
“This can only help us achieve the peaceful society that we all want, and that we are all striving towards.”
“Devolution will strengthen our service. It will help to ensure that communities receive the policing service that not only they deserve, but that we are committed to delivering.”
Sinn Fein Assembly member Gerry Kelly
“This is a good day for the political process. There had been people saying that this day would not happen. They have been proven wrong.
“The vote in the Assembly was overwhelming in the end. For their own reasons the UUP decided to oppose the transfer of powers. This was a mistake.
Alliance Leader David Ford
“This is a momentous day for Northern Ireland. This is the start of the process which will see politics here come of age.
“The public want grown-up government and delivery. They are sick of the politics of the playground, and politicians must catch up with the public in terms of attitude and action.
UUP leader Sir Reg Empey
“The DUP and Sinn Fein passed a motion to devolve policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly, brushing aside the concerns of the UUP and SDLP.
“As committed democrats, the UUP will accept the will of the Assembly and (…) will endeavour to ensure that the interests of law and order in Northern Ireland are maintained.
Conservative leader David Cameron
“We have long supported the devolution of policing and justice powers. Following today’s vote this will now go ahead.
“Throughout this process the Conservative Party has at all times sought to play a constructive role, and we will naturally support the legislation at Westminster to give effect to the will of the Assembly.
“Concerns about the functioning of the Executive as a genuine four-party coalition prevented the Ulster Unionists from backing today’s vote, and I hope these will now be resolved in a spirit of genuine partnership.”
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
“I commend the Northern Ireland Assembly today for its affirmation of the Hillsborough Agreement and its endorsement of the devolution of policing and justice, an important step in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for all of the people of Northern Ireland for generations to come.
“Devolution will mark a major milestone in achieving the aspirations of the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement, and will help cement the hard-won gains of the past decade.”
US Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland Declan Kelly
“The vote by the Northern Ireland Assembly builds on the important agreement that was announced last month, and I congratulate the Northern Ireland political leadership on this significant achievement.”
TUV leader Jim Allister
“I think the UUP was right to exercise some dignity and some self-respect. I think the maelstrom of pressure, international and otherwise, that has been attempted to be inflicted upon them has been quite obscene.”
