Back in the Basement
I've returned to my cupboard in the Stormont basement, playing catch up on all I have missed - a DUP rethink on double jobbing, a £20 million payment for the part time reserve and a row over replacing the Parades Commission.
Double jobbing should be back in the news tomorrow when Sir Christopher Kelly publishes his report on MPs' expenses. The report will have a specific Northern Ireland chapter, and the rumour here is that he may recommend a five year phasing out of dual mandates. There are also suggestions that Sinn Fein's abstentionist allowances may come under pressure. Sir Christopher's proposals on the employment of family members have been well trailed elsewhere, but should have particular resonance here.
The behind the scenes talks about devolving justice go on. The Assembly Committee which looks after policing and justice is inviting the First and Deputy First Ministers to give it evidence next week and it's they may also be looking for a meeting with Lord Ashdown on his parades proposals. It's also putting a motion before the main Assembly calling on Shaun Woodward to provide the committee with any memoranda of understanding and protocols related to national security - something the Committee has been looking for unsuccessfully for some time.
I'm told work is still continuing on the precise powers and independence of a future Justice Minister visa-vis the rest of the Executive. There are also discussions about how the minister should be appointed. It's already been settled that the nominee should get cross community support, but should that amount to an effective coronation of the Alliance party or should the Assembly go through the process of voting for a series of candidates from different parties before arriving at the same destination?
I'm 
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