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06/10/2009
Policing Talks Continue In London
Hours after hosting British PM Gordon Brown at Stormont, the North's Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have returned to Downing Street in a bid to progress policing and justice talks.
However, despite Sinn Féin's optimism over devolving the powers, a senior DUP figure has urged his republican colleagues to "chill out".
The Prime Minister arrived in Belfast yesterday amid heightened tensions between the Assembly's two largest parties.
DUP Leader Mr Robinson and Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness were said to have made good progress, following the latest round of talks with Mr Brown.
However, the top ministers held separate meetings with Mr Brown, who cleared a packed diary to visit the province.
Mr Robinson said discussions were calm and that both side were "behaving rationally".
"We are working through the issues," he said.
The First Minister has continued to insist the new powers cannot be transfered until a satisfactory budget is agreed, and there is consensus among the unionist community.
The DUP reportedly submitted an eight-page document to the Prime Minister, highlighting concerns over the disbandment of the police full time reserve, and the retention of personal protection weapons for all former security personnel.
It is believed Stormont is lobbying for £600m funding to establish and run the new judiciary department.
Mr McGuinness, who insisted devolution should happen at the earliest possible time, said yesterday: "In terms of the financial situation, we are moving forward, I think fairly decisively."
Despite this, DUP MP Gregory Campbell said Assembly members should "take a chill pill" over the issue, insisting a deal will be done when the time is right, should that be in "six months, 12 months or three years".
The First and Deputy First Minister will reconvene at Downing Street later today.
(PR/BMcC)
However, despite Sinn Féin's optimism over devolving the powers, a senior DUP figure has urged his republican colleagues to "chill out".
The Prime Minister arrived in Belfast yesterday amid heightened tensions between the Assembly's two largest parties.
DUP Leader Mr Robinson and Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness were said to have made good progress, following the latest round of talks with Mr Brown.
However, the top ministers held separate meetings with Mr Brown, who cleared a packed diary to visit the province.
Mr Robinson said discussions were calm and that both side were "behaving rationally".
"We are working through the issues," he said.
The First Minister has continued to insist the new powers cannot be transfered until a satisfactory budget is agreed, and there is consensus among the unionist community.
The DUP reportedly submitted an eight-page document to the Prime Minister, highlighting concerns over the disbandment of the police full time reserve, and the retention of personal protection weapons for all former security personnel.
It is believed Stormont is lobbying for £600m funding to establish and run the new judiciary department.
Mr McGuinness, who insisted devolution should happen at the earliest possible time, said yesterday: "In terms of the financial situation, we are moving forward, I think fairly decisively."
Despite this, DUP MP Gregory Campbell said Assembly members should "take a chill pill" over the issue, insisting a deal will be done when the time is right, should that be in "six months, 12 months or three years".
The First and Deputy First Minister will reconvene at Downing Street later today.
(PR/BMcC)
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29 January 2010
Clock Ticking On Justice Talks
Northern politicians have until this afternoon to broker a compromise on the contentious devolution of policing and justice powers to the Belfast Assembly. British PM, Gordon Brown is poised to publish his joint proposals with the Irish government on the matter if agreement is not reached.
Clock Ticking On Justice Talks
Northern politicians have until this afternoon to broker a compromise on the contentious devolution of policing and justice powers to the Belfast Assembly. British PM, Gordon Brown is poised to publish his joint proposals with the Irish government on the matter if agreement is not reached.
28 January 2010
Justice Talks Enter Crucial 48-Hours
The North's political leaders have until tomorrow to present their plans for devolved policing and justice to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Failure by the DUP and Sinn Fein to reach an agreement, or at least a compromise, before Friday will see the British and Irish governments publish their own proposals for a way forward.
Justice Talks Enter Crucial 48-Hours
The North's political leaders have until tomorrow to present their plans for devolved policing and justice to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Failure by the DUP and Sinn Fein to reach an agreement, or at least a compromise, before Friday will see the British and Irish governments publish their own proposals for a way forward.
27 January 2010
PMs Remains In North For Talks
British PM Gordon Brown has chaired a second night of Hillsborough negotiations aimed at saving Northern Ireland's power-sharing institutions. Along with his Irish counterpart Brian Cowen, the PM flew into the province on Monday after policing and justice talks between Stormont's two largest parties broke down.
PMs Remains In North For Talks
British PM Gordon Brown has chaired a second night of Hillsborough negotiations aimed at saving Northern Ireland's power-sharing institutions. Along with his Irish counterpart Brian Cowen, the PM flew into the province on Monday after policing and justice talks between Stormont's two largest parties broke down.
22 August 2011
Northern Road Crash Victim Named
The North's police has released the name of the motorcyclist who died in a crash in Co Down on Sunday. He was John O'Neill, 45, from the Poleglass area died as a result of an accident on the Magheraknock Road in Ballynahinch. His bike was involved in a collision with a car shortly before 2.30pm with the road closed for a time afterwards.
Northern Road Crash Victim Named
The North's police has released the name of the motorcyclist who died in a crash in Co Down on Sunday. He was John O'Neill, 45, from the Poleglass area died as a result of an accident on the Magheraknock Road in Ballynahinch. His bike was involved in a collision with a car shortly before 2.30pm with the road closed for a time afterwards.
09 February 2010
Justice Minister And Parading Talks Open
Northern political leaders will meet later this morning to discuss nominations for the position of Justice Minister. Nominations for the post officially opened yesterday, however a scheduled meeting between party leaders was postponed to allow the province's MPs to participate in a Commons discussion.
Justice Minister And Parading Talks Open
Northern political leaders will meet later this morning to discuss nominations for the position of Justice Minister. Nominations for the post officially opened yesterday, however a scheduled meeting between party leaders was postponed to allow the province's MPs to participate in a Commons discussion.
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Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
