Belfast won! by Barbora Misakova

Policing and justice powers will be transferred from London to Belfast, as Northern Ireland lawmakers voted. On Tuesday The Northern Ireland Assembly supported transfer of powers which was passed with an overwhelming majority of 88 “yes” votes. There were only 17 dissenters voting against. Before the vote, a thunderous discussion took place: DUP and Sinn Fein on one side, UUP on the other. It was just the attitude of its members, which arouse critique, as leaders of United Kingdom are still worrying about political stability in restless province. The former US President George W. Bush also involved in the whole matter, when he tried to persuade indirectly the Ul! ster Unionist Party to support a key vote on the transfer of the powers. He called on British opposition leader David Cameron to persuade his allies from UUP about correctness of giving countenance to this important step which could improve relations between London and Belfast. Conservative Party spokesman Owen Paterson confirmed to the Guardian that conversation had taken place, but Cameron had told Bush, it is not in his power to force the UUP’s hand. As UUP leader Sir Reg Empey told France 24: “While we appreciate the help former President Bush gave us over the years in terms of economic development and other matters, I think he misunderstands the relationship between the UUP and Conservative parties.” Empey was also speaking with US Secretary Hillary Clinton on Friday who expressed her satisfaction with the result of voting, just like Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his Ireland colleague Brian Cowen. The official date of transfer is 12th April.
related story (sgx16717): http://www.france24.com/en/20100309-ulster-unionist-party-re...

by Barbora Misakova for SigEx Ventures (http://sigexventures.com)

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