DUP Mulls Over Northern Justice Deal

The North's DUP leader Peter Robinson is expected to seek unanimous support for a justice deal within his party.

Mr Robinson met with the DUP Assembly group yesterday, amid mounting speculation an agreement between the unionist party and Sinn Fein was on the cusp of being signed.

He made it clear last night some issues regarding parading remain outstanding.

The DUP and Sinn Fein have been locked in intensive talks over the devolution of policing and justice powers since last week.

There have been several instances when it was though a breakthrough was imminent.

It is believed UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Irish premier Brian Cowen were on standby yesterday to fly to Belfast and witness the signing of a deal.

However, Hillborough negotiations broke to allow the parties to brief their Assembly members on progress.

Mr Robinson later played down reports a definite deal was looming.

DUP MLAs are believed to support the formation of a new parades appeal tribunal. Members reportedly want this body to operate in a shadow capacity as early as this summer. However, it is not thought the necessary legislation could be passed in time.

Sinn Fein sources have suggested republicans are not prepared to reenter parading discussions.

The DUP reportedly remains confident a compromise can be reached.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and his Sinn Fein colleagues have called for the transfer of policing and justice responsibilities to the local power-sharing executive as soon as possible.

The DUP leadership has insisted the new department cannot be established until there is "confidence" within the unionist community.

(PR/BMcC)