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Policing talks end without a deal Policing talks end without a deal
(about 2 hours later)
Downing Street talks between the first and deputy first ministers and Gordon Brown on the devolution of policing powers have ended without agreement.Downing Street talks between the first and deputy first ministers and Gordon Brown on the devolution of policing powers have ended without agreement.
First Minister Peter Robinson said that progress had been made but more work was needed on outstanding financial issues.First Minister Peter Robinson said that progress had been made but more work was needed on outstanding financial issues.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said negotiations are at a crucial point.Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said negotiations are at a crucial point.
"It's at a critical point, but I believe all this is doable," he said."It's at a critical point, but I believe all this is doable," he said.
"I'm more convinced of that now in the aftermath of the meeting today.""I'm more convinced of that now in the aftermath of the meeting today."
It is understood that the DUP submitted an eight-page dossier to Mr Brown.It is understood that the DUP submitted an eight-page dossier to Mr Brown.
Besides looking for more money for policing, the party is also seeking the retention of the police reserve and the freeing up of the supply of personal protection weapons to former members of the security forces.Besides looking for more money for policing, the party is also seeking the retention of the police reserve and the freeing up of the supply of personal protection weapons to former members of the security forces.
It's understood the dossier also calls for the implementation of a recommendation by Lord Ashdown that the Parades Commission should be abolished.It's understood the dossier also calls for the implementation of a recommendation by Lord Ashdown that the Parades Commission should be abolished.
On Monday, Mr Brown held a series of meetings at Stormont on the issue. Sinn Fein has dismissed what it described as a "DUP wishlist".
Mr McGuinness and Mr Robinson held separate talks with him and afterwards both agreed there had been progress. "These side issues have no place in this negotiation," said Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd.
"We are calm, we are behaving rationally, we are working through the issues," the DUP first minister, Mr Robinson said. "What the talks in Downing Street are about is finance. The ending of the full time reserve is a Patten requirement and we fully expect the new Chief Constable to deliver on it."
Sinn Fein's Mr McGuinness said: "In terms of the financial situation, we are moving forward, I think fairly decisively."
The cost of a devolution deal is thought to be in the region of £600m.
Confidence
The two parties have been at loggerheads over when the powers should be devolved from London.The two parties have been at loggerheads over when the powers should be devolved from London.
While Sinn Fein wants it to happen immediately, the DUP is more cautious and has said the transfer of powers will not happen before Christmas.While Sinn Fein wants it to happen immediately, the DUP is more cautious and has said the transfer of powers will not happen before Christmas.
Mr Robinson said his personal relationship with Martin McGuinness was not a factor in the issue.
"I am prepared and can work with anybody who has the same goals, which are to make the assembly and executive work for the benefit of Northern Ireland."
"I was not elected to be a buddy for Martin McGuinness, I was elected to work with him and that is why I am here," he added.
Relations between the first minister and deputy first minister have deteriorated in recent weeks.
Sinn Fein said the transfer of justice powers should have happened months ago and accused Mr Robinson of stalling because of pressure from hardliners in his own party.
The DUP said the unionist community must have confidence in any new arrangements before they sign up to them.