In reply to Alderman Samuel Gardiner's response published in your newspaper (September 18) attacking my recent statement concerning his laying the blame at the feet of the DUP for the violence in Craigavon I would like to make the following observations and remarks:

I would like in this instance to reiterate the DUP's commitment to providing good governance for the people of Northern Ireland through the proper functioning of the Executive. This was in fact demonstrated when on Thursday, September 18 the DUP, accompanied by Ald Gardiner's colleagues and the SDLP, endeavoured to proceed with the important decision making. Unfortunately one party excluded itself from that particular meeting.

The DUP has taken a principled stand on SF's behaviour in the Executive. We believe the Executive's business should proceed while the debate on Policing and Justice can be advanced through the Assembly Executive Review Committee. It does not surprise me that Ald. Gardiner blames the DUP given his party's record. Alderman Gardiner would be used with the UUP precedent of jumping to every SF demand. If he is suggesting that to avoid any more rioting in republican areas in Craigavon the DUP should agree to the devolution of Policing and Justice – this would sit entirely with the UUP precedent.

After all the UUP had agreed to devolve Policing and Justice in 2005 with the possibility of a SF Minister. The DUP has been very clear that a number of conditions must be met before the powers could be devolved. Most significantly we have said that SF could not be allowed to hold any element of control over these important functions.

Finally, Alderman Gardiner surely has realised that his party has changed its position and now appears to oppose the devolution of Policing and Justice. Rather than writing in this paper Alderman Gardiner should maybe address the concerns with his party leader.