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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| PMs to hold talks on justice deal | PMs to hold talks on justice deal |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| The British and Irish prime ministers are due to meet later to discuss progress on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the NI Assembly. | The British and Irish prime ministers are due to meet later to discuss progress on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the NI Assembly. |
| The talks between Gordon Brown and Brian Cowen come as speculation mounts that agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein on the issue could be closer. | The talks between Gordon Brown and Brian Cowen come as speculation mounts that agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein on the issue could be closer. |
| The question of how to deal with Orange Order parades is believed to be a sticking point between the parties. | The question of how to deal with Orange Order parades is believed to be a sticking point between the parties. |
| Sinn Fein is resisting DUP efforts to replace the Parades Commission. | Sinn Fein is resisting DUP efforts to replace the Parades Commission. |
| The DUP wants an alternative way to adjudicate on contentious marches along the lines of interim proposals produced by a group headed by Lord Ashdown. | The DUP wants an alternative way to adjudicate on contentious marches along the lines of interim proposals produced by a group headed by Lord Ashdown. |
| It is thought the DUP and Sinn Fein could try to reach a compromise position or agree to resolve the issue at a future date. | It is thought the DUP and Sinn Fein could try to reach a compromise position or agree to resolve the issue at a future date. |
| Alliance Party leader David Ford held talks with the DUP on Wednesday, a meeting which he described as "positive and useful". | |
| However, he added there was "clearly still a lot of work to be done" before an agreement on policing and justice could be reached. | |
| Mr Ford said those members of the DUP who wanted devolution of the powers postponed for a number of months simply did not understand the reality of the situation in Northern Ireland. | |
| Duress | Duress |
| Earlier this week, Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward urged unionists to reach a deal, saying the lack of agreement had created a "vacuum" which was being exploited by dissident republicans. | Earlier this week, Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward urged unionists to reach a deal, saying the lack of agreement had created a "vacuum" which was being exploited by dissident republicans. |
| Sinn Fein has warned in recent weeks that progress needs to be made quickly or the power-sharing government could collapse. | Sinn Fein has warned in recent weeks that progress needs to be made quickly or the power-sharing government could collapse. |
| Meanwhile, acting First Minister Arlene Foster is to meet Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey, who has warned the DUP not to do a deal under duress in the wake of the Iris Robinson affair. | Meanwhile, acting First Minister Arlene Foster is to meet Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey, who has warned the DUP not to do a deal under duress in the wake of the Iris Robinson affair. |
| Ms Foster is also due to co-chair her first executive meeting. | Ms Foster is also due to co-chair her first executive meeting. |