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21/09/2009
Ministers Resume Justice Funding Talks
Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers today reopened talks at Downing Street centred on agreeing a financial package for a devolved ministry of justice.
The new department would also oversee the province's policing, and pave the way for a local Attorney General.
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have held a succession of talks with PM Gordon Brown - most recently last week - but have still to settle a final funding deal.
Both ministers have insisted a satisfactory budget must be in place before the new powers are transferred to the Stormont Executive.
On Wednesday, Mr Robinson conceded some progress had been made, with Mr McGuinness insisting the new department must be established before Christmas.
Speaking ahead of today's meeting, Mr McGuinness said he expects the Prime Minister "to do the right thing".
The Deputy First Minister said there was responsibility on the DUP and Sinn Fein to reach agreement.
The Tories' shadow NI Secretary Owen Paterson said his party was not prepared to underwrite any deal, given the current squeeze on public finances.
Mr Robinson had earlier called on Tory Leader David Cameron to approve the eventual budget, given the possibility of a Conservative government following the next general election.
(PR/KMcA)
The new department would also oversee the province's policing, and pave the way for a local Attorney General.
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have held a succession of talks with PM Gordon Brown - most recently last week - but have still to settle a final funding deal.
Both ministers have insisted a satisfactory budget must be in place before the new powers are transferred to the Stormont Executive.
On Wednesday, Mr Robinson conceded some progress had been made, with Mr McGuinness insisting the new department must be established before Christmas.
Speaking ahead of today's meeting, Mr McGuinness said he expects the Prime Minister "to do the right thing".
The Deputy First Minister said there was responsibility on the DUP and Sinn Fein to reach agreement.
The Tories' shadow NI Secretary Owen Paterson said his party was not prepared to underwrite any deal, given the current squeeze on public finances.
Mr Robinson had earlier called on Tory Leader David Cameron to approve the eventual budget, given the possibility of a Conservative government following the next general election.
(PR/KMcA)
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Hours after hosting PM Gordon Brown at Stormont, 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".
17 September 2009
Still No Justice Agreement
Northern Ireland's two top ministers have failed to agree a financial package with Downing Street for the devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont. Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness met with Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London yesterday.
Still No Justice Agreement
Northern Ireland's two top ministers have failed to agree a financial package with Downing Street for the devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont. Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness met with Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London yesterday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
