Anyone who listened to today's Northern Ireland Questions would have come to the conclusion that the date for policing and justice powers coming to Stormont is receding. But in one respect the Police are getting closer to the Assembly building. Sting, Andy and Stewart were due to be playing their summer gig elsewhere on the Stormont estate. But they have now shifted up the hill to play with the imposing backdrop of Parliament Buildings behind them. So that's the Police sorted. Policing is another matter.
Further to yesterday's comment on Gordon Brown and the union, Downing Street has pointed out that whilst the paper version of the article didn't mention Northern Ireland, page 2 of the online version did, referring to continuing reforms here. Questioned at today's PMQs by Nigel Dodds, Mr Brown pointed this out. But unionists don't appear convinced - Gregory Campbell has tabled a question asking about the geographical criteria used in framing the article.
In an exchange yesterday with Jack Straw over new rules on the flying of the Union flag which won't apply to Northern Ireland, Peter Robinson claimed the government treated people here as "children of a lesser God". So more trouble may be brewing there.
In Northern Ireland Questions, David Simpson asked Shaun Woodward about President McAleese's comments linking a Royal visit to Dublin to the devolution of justice. The Secretary of State said the timing of a royal visit would depend on contacts between Buckingham Palace and the Irish government and would be "at a time of her choosing". Methinks the Irish government will have a rather large say on that timing.
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