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27/01/2010
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.
Sinn Fein and the DUP have so far failed to agree on when the powers should be devolved to the local Assembly.
Republicans want a the responsibilities in the hands of Ulster's politicians as soon as possible, while the DUP has insisted unionist "community confidence" must first be established.
Last night's fresh sitting of talks adjourned at 6am this morning. All parties were represented at the eventual roundtable discussions.
A spokesman for Mr Brown said "there is scope for agreement" after a potential resolution was reportedly circulated amongst the main players.
The Irish government has insisted "some outstanding issues remain", hinting at the ongoing wrangling over parades issues.
The DUP has clearly stated it wants the Parades Commission, which adjudicates on Orange Order marches, to be dissolved. Sinn Fein supports its continued existence.
Negotiations will recommence this morning, after it was revealed Mr Brown will miss today's Prime Minister's Questions in Parliament. Harriet Harman will deputise.
Earlier, UUP leader Sir Reg Empey said he expected an announcement by the government "fairly shortly", despite there being "no final agreement" yet.
David Ford, leader of the cross community Alliance party, said there was "an air of determination to proceed with the business" as he left the talks.
Mr Ford is widely tipped to be appointed the province's first justice minister if agreement is reached.
However, DUP Executive minister Edwin Poots told this morning's BBC Nolan show he thought it was unlikely a deal would be done today.
Failure to make progress could see Sinn Fein pull Martin McGuinness from the office of First and Deputy First Minister, forcing Peter Robinson's resignation.
If either party refused to renominate within seven days the local government would revert to direct rule from London, prompting an early Assembly election.
(PR/GK)
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.
Sinn Fein and the DUP have so far failed to agree on when the powers should be devolved to the local Assembly.
Republicans want a the responsibilities in the hands of Ulster's politicians as soon as possible, while the DUP has insisted unionist "community confidence" must first be established.
Last night's fresh sitting of talks adjourned at 6am this morning. All parties were represented at the eventual roundtable discussions.
A spokesman for Mr Brown said "there is scope for agreement" after a potential resolution was reportedly circulated amongst the main players.
The Irish government has insisted "some outstanding issues remain", hinting at the ongoing wrangling over parades issues.
The DUP has clearly stated it wants the Parades Commission, which adjudicates on Orange Order marches, to be dissolved. Sinn Fein supports its continued existence.
Negotiations will recommence this morning, after it was revealed Mr Brown will miss today's Prime Minister's Questions in Parliament. Harriet Harman will deputise.
Earlier, UUP leader Sir Reg Empey said he expected an announcement by the government "fairly shortly", despite there being "no final agreement" yet.
David Ford, leader of the cross community Alliance party, said there was "an air of determination to proceed with the business" as he left the talks.
Mr Ford is widely tipped to be appointed the province's first justice minister if agreement is reached.
However, DUP Executive minister Edwin Poots told this morning's BBC Nolan show he thought it was unlikely a deal would be done today.
Failure to make progress could see Sinn Fein pull Martin McGuinness from the office of First and Deputy First Minister, forcing Peter Robinson's resignation.
If either party refused to renominate within seven days the local government would revert to direct rule from London, prompting an early Assembly election.
(PR/GK)
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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.
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.
25 January 2010
'Defining' Stormont Justice Talks
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness will hold "defining talks" in the North later, as the political impasse over devolved justice powers threatens to collapse the local institutions. Senior DUP and Sinn Fein figures will attempt to find a resolution to the ongoing stalemate, which intensified after republicans walked away from talks last week.
'Defining' Stormont Justice Talks
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness will hold "defining talks" in the North later, as the political impasse over devolved justice powers threatens to collapse the local institutions. Senior DUP and Sinn Fein figures will attempt to find a resolution to the ongoing stalemate, which intensified after republicans walked away from talks last week.
26 January 2010
Hillsborough Crisis Talks Resume
The British PM, Gordon Brown and Brian Cowen held "frank" and "hard going" talks with the North's political leaders last night in a bid to save the fragile power-sharing government. However, talks at Hillsborough Castle ended early this morning without agreement.
Hillsborough Crisis Talks Resume
The British PM, Gordon Brown and Brian Cowen held "frank" and "hard going" talks with the North's political leaders last night in a bid to save the fragile power-sharing government. However, talks at Hillsborough Castle ended early this morning without agreement.
20 January 2010
Unionists' Secret Tory Talks Revealed
Senior members of the North's two main unionist parties, the DUP and UUP have held private talks - facilitated by the Conservative Party - in London at the weekend.
Unionists' Secret Tory Talks Revealed
Senior members of the North's two main unionist parties, the DUP and UUP have held private talks - facilitated by the Conservative Party - in London at the weekend.
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Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
