Justice 'Breakthrough' Speculation

The DUP and Sinn Fein are poised to sign off a deal on devolved policing and justice powers in the North, according to reports.

Stormont's two largest parties have sought agreement on the matter since the establishment of the current Assembly in 2007. Recent wrangling has threatened to destabilise the entire power-sharing government.

Last week both parties entered into rigorous talks aimed at saving the local institutions.

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Irish premier Brian Cowen intervened in negotiations but postponed publishing their joint recommendations on the process following developments on Friday.

Yesterday Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said "considerable progress" had been made on finding a solution.

However, senior DUP figure Gregory Campbell suggested last night that any deal could be put out for public consultation.

Further talks are set to take place at Hillsborough Castle today.

Sinn Fein has continued to insist the new powers should be put in the hands of local politicians as soon as possible.

The DUP said there needs to be "confidence" within the unionist community before a Northern Ireland justice department is formed.

Parading has proved a major sticking point for both sides. The DUP has called for the dissolutions of the Parades Commission, which adjudicates on contentious Orange Order marches.

Sinn Fein wishes to retain the status quo, having accused the DUP leadership of bowing to unionist hardliners.

Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness, whose resignation could collapse the Assembly, yesterday conceded a deal could be reached, satisfying nationalists, republicans, unionists and loyalists.

DUP MP Mr Campbell later told the BBC: "People need to be consulted, they need to see the bones of the deal and the detail of it, and then give a response that allows us to say whether we proceed or don't."

Gerry Adams said he thought Mr Campbell's idea was 'novel'.

"I think it would be really cool for the people of Garvaghy Road to have Gregory coming down to ask them how he should proceed," said the Sinn Fein president.

Secretary of State Shaun Woodward updated the Prime Minister on progress last night.

Despite speculation he would travel to Belfast on Friday, reports have now emerged that Mr Brown, along with Irish counterpart Mr Cowen, could still arrive in the province if a deal is signed today.

(PR/GK)