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Policing talks end without a deal Policing talks end without a deal
(about 12 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 Northern Ireland's political leaders 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 more work was needed on financial issues and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said talks were at a "crucial point".
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said negotiations are at a crucial point. Sinn Fein and the DUP have been arguing over when powers should be devolved.
"It's at a critical point, but I believe all this is doable," he said. While Sinn Fein wants it to happen immediately, the DUP has said it will not happen before Christmas.
"I'm more convinced of that now in the aftermath of the meeting today." "It's at a critical point, but I believe all this is doable. I'm more convinced of that now in the aftermath of the meeting," Mr McGuinness said.
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 is understood the dossier also calls for the implementation of a recommendation by Lord Ashdown that the Parades Commission should be abolished.
Sinn Fein has dismissed what it described as a "DUP wishlist".Sinn Fein has dismissed what it described as a "DUP wishlist".
"These side issues have no place in this negotiation," said Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd."These side issues have no place in this negotiation," said Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd.
"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." "What the talks in Downing Street are about is finance. The ending of the full time reserve is a Patten (policing reform report) requirement and we fully expect the new Chief Constable to deliver on it."
The two parties have been at loggerheads over when the powers should be devolved from London. BBC Northern Ireland political editor Mark Devenport said the DUP dossier could add to the irritable relations between the DUP and Sinn Fein.
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. "Clearly this is of a different order from saying 'we want more money for the policing budget' - that is something on which Sinn Fein and the DUP agree," he said.
"Whereas the Sinn Fein line on some of these issues like the full time reserve and personal protection weapons is rather different from the DUP - so one can sense there is room for some conflict."