Reaction: Policing and justice

A deal between Northern Ireland's biggest parties, the DUP and Sinn Fein, could see policing and justice powers devolved to Northern Ireland on 12 April. Below is a summary of some of the reaction to Friday's events.

Mr Brown said the agreement was possible because of "a new spirit of mutual cooperation and respect".

"We are closing the last chapter of a long and troubled story and we are opening a new chapter for Northern Ireland."

"Over recent weeks there may have been great frustration out in the community.

"But there would have been even greater frustration if we did a deal that collapsed. So it is far better that we spend the extra time and we get it right."

"We are dealing with centuries old difficulties here. If we are to succeed as a government, we have to show people at grassroots level that we can work together.

"The last thing that we want to do, while the eyes of the world are on us, is to fail."

Mr Cowen said the deal laid the foundations for a new future.

"That better future must be built on mutual respect for people of different traditions, equality and tolerance and respect for each other's political aspirations and cultural expressions and inheritance."

Mr Durkan said he always thought a deal would be "scrambled over the line".

"We will have to take our turn with other parties in proofing what is proposed, not trying to create problems, but pre-empting any possible shortcomings or problems there are with it so we can actually improve it."

Sir Reg said his party was unhappy about a number of issues - including that of the collapsed Presbyterian Mutual Society.

"There has been mention of the Presbyterian Mutual Society - we raised this matter with the prime minister last week and he made it clear this was not connected with the devolution of policing and justice, yet it would appear it has come into the frame at this stage.

"I would sincerely hope and pray that much as we support them and will continue to do so, there cannot be any link between their rights as citizens to receive their money back and any political side-deal," he said.

Mr Ford welcomed the Hillsborough justice deal but said progress was needed on the new community relations strategy and justice policies.

"This deal is a very significant breakthrough for the two parties; however, we require real progress on the new community relations strategy and on the policies for the new justice ministry."

"We welcome the fact that an agreement has been reached between the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein, and we support the determination of the British and Irish governments in helping to bring this about.

"We hope this leads to the completion of devolution and the re-establishment of political stability in Northern Ireland."

"Roll-over unionism is still delivering - delivering the Sinn Fein agenda."

Mr Allister said that "the pretence that this is in the interests 'of all the people of Northern Ireland' is arrant nonsense".

"This is a Sinn Fein win and defeat for unionism. Even the DUP promise to ensure that the justice minister's actions would be protected from the Sinn Fein veto within the Executive has been broken."

Mrs Clinton said that "success in Northern Ireland points the way forward and not only for this one conflict".

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and the Royal Black Institution said they would now examine in detail the aspects of the political agreement involving public assemblies and parades.

"Our initial reaction is that it is a positive step forward and we are pleased that people have been focusing on the issue of parading.

"Everyone must now work to find the best regulatory system surrounding public assemblies and parades and we remain committed to playing a continuing and constructive part in that."

"This is a deeply significant day in the evolution of the Peace Process.

"Indeed, history may well record this agreement as the moment when the peace process transitioned from potential to reality.

"After many years of negotiation and inching forward at an often cautious and painstaking pace, a decisive move ahead has been made and, critically, it has been made by the parties themselves."

Church of Ireland primate Archbishop Alan Harper said: "I most warmly welcome the news that agreement has been reached on a way forward on the devolution of justice and policing powers to Northern Ireland, together with the other issues that have been taken into account in the recent protracted negotiations.

President of the Methodist Church in Ireland Donald Ker said: "I warmly welcome the news that proposals regarding the devolution of justice and policing powers have now reached the stage where they can be placed before the Assembly.

"The lengthy negotiations have demanded substantial commitment of time and energy from all involved."

The head of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Sean Brady, said he also welcomed the news agreement has been reached on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly and on a range of other issues.

"As a wider consultation on the proposals begins, my prayer is that everyone in our society will reflect on what has been agreed today with a spirit of generosity and concern for the good of the whole community," he said.

The Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson said: "Today's announcement of an agreement on a way forward on the devolution of policing and justice is an important achievement for our local politicians.

"The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church has been supportive of devolved government and locally elected representatives having responsibility and accountability for policing and justice."

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