‘Progress’ in devolution talks
Sinn Fein and the DUP are to study a financial package put forward by the Prime Minister designed to break the deadlock over the devolution of policing and justice.
First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness held four hours of talks with Gordon Brown in Downing Street on Thursday night, emerging around midnight.
Mr McGuinness, who emerged from the discussions first, indicated that there was now a proper budget in place which could bring about resolution on policing and justice: “I believe that we have made massive progress and that we are on the cusp of an agreement.
“We have effectively concluded our discussions on the financial package…It represents a massive leap forward.”
Mr Robinson displayed a more cautious approach. He said that he would have to study the proposals with his party before making a decision and said he would not be rushed into any deal: “We are not going to be pushed or bullied or bribed.”
“We will want to be sure that the issues that we have discussed are interpreted and expressed in the communication in the way that we would expect, and then colleagues are going to have to make a judgement based on the proposition.”
UTV political editor Ken Reid has said he believes the details of the plans will be presented to the DUP and Sinn Fein on Monday: “Significantly that is the day that US Secretary of State is due in Belfast.”
“There does appear to be real progress. I think that the British government had significantly improved its offer, presenting a package which was attractive to all involved, but the problem is will Peter Robinson be able to sell that to his party. We’ll know that better next week.”
Video from BBC
