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15/01/2010
Justice Talks Resume
Intensified talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein over the devolution of policing and justice powers will resume later.
Both parties concluded negotiations late last night without agreeing a deal.
Peter Robinson led a DUP delegation into renewed discussions with Sinn Fein at Stormont Castle, which Gerry Adams described as "serious, focused and sensitive point".
Speaking from London yesterday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, flanked by Irish counterpart Brian Cowen, said finding a solution was "vital".
Mr Brown insisted both the British and Irish Governments would do all they could to break the stalemate.
He suggested Northern Ireland was dealing with a "period of great turbulence" politically.
The Prime Minister said he was hopeful a deal could be reached, but would "take nothing for granted".
Mr Cowen said outstanding issues were nearing agreement.
"The issues have been under discussion for some time and in our view are ready for agreement and resolution," he said.
Meanwhile, a survey of MLAs has suggested they believe economic matters and policing should be the Executive's top priority this year.
The study, conducted by public affairs company Stratagem and polling company ComRes, showed that 42% of Assembly members questioned think the economy should take precedence, while 27% said that Policing and Justice ought to be the main issue dealt with by minister.
Mark Shepherd of Stratagem said the research revealed an interesting split in the way politicians identify what they believe to be the most important issues.
"Whereas 61% of unionists responded that they feel the economy should be the top priority for the Executive, 25% of nationalists felt the same.
"Conversely, 50% of nationalist respondents said Policing and Justice ought to be the top priority, while the figure for unionist MLAs was 14%."
Other issues which MLAs believe the Executive should be focusing on include health, a shared future and education.
However, the economy and policing and justice both polled significantly higher than any other issues.
(PR/GK)
Both parties concluded negotiations late last night without agreeing a deal.
Peter Robinson led a DUP delegation into renewed discussions with Sinn Fein at Stormont Castle, which Gerry Adams described as "serious, focused and sensitive point".
Speaking from London yesterday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, flanked by Irish counterpart Brian Cowen, said finding a solution was "vital".
Mr Brown insisted both the British and Irish Governments would do all they could to break the stalemate.
He suggested Northern Ireland was dealing with a "period of great turbulence" politically.
The Prime Minister said he was hopeful a deal could be reached, but would "take nothing for granted".
Mr Cowen said outstanding issues were nearing agreement.
"The issues have been under discussion for some time and in our view are ready for agreement and resolution," he said.
Meanwhile, a survey of MLAs has suggested they believe economic matters and policing should be the Executive's top priority this year.
The study, conducted by public affairs company Stratagem and polling company ComRes, showed that 42% of Assembly members questioned think the economy should take precedence, while 27% said that Policing and Justice ought to be the main issue dealt with by minister.
Mark Shepherd of Stratagem said the research revealed an interesting split in the way politicians identify what they believe to be the most important issues.
"Whereas 61% of unionists responded that they feel the economy should be the top priority for the Executive, 25% of nationalists felt the same.
"Conversely, 50% of nationalist respondents said Policing and Justice ought to be the top priority, while the figure for unionist MLAs was 14%."
Other issues which MLAs believe the Executive should be focusing on include health, a shared future and education.
However, the economy and policing and justice both polled significantly higher than any other issues.
(PR/GK)
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Irish Welcome For NI Justice Minister
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
