![](http://quis.qub.ac.uk/dua/uploaded_images/NelsonMcCausland-745687.gif)
The key concerns for unionists around the devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont were outlined in our policy papers and in our 2007 Manifesto – which Jim Allister helped write. The 2007 Manifesto outlined very clearly that the Party was in favour of devolving policing and justice in the right circumstances.
Our concerns about devolving these sensitive powers have been satisfactorily dealt with;
All sensible unionists will welcome that politicians will have no role in the appointment of judges thus protecting the independence of the judiciary.
All sensible unionists will welcome that there will be no Sinn Fein Minister of Justice as the cross-community vote gives the DUP a veto on who the Minister would be.
Finally, all sensible unionists will welcome that the DUP’s Triple-Lock, on when the powers would be devolved, is still in place.
Contrary to Jim Allister’s scaremongering, this process represents a good way forward, one which can see the devolution of Justice in a way which can command the support of unionists in Northern Ireland.”