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Crunch talks resume at Stormont Crunch talks resume at Stormont
(about 3 hours later)
As crunch talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein resume at Stormont, there is intense speculation of an imminent deal on the devolution of justice powers.As crunch talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein resume at Stormont, there is intense speculation of an imminent deal on the devolution of justice powers.
DUP acting first minister Arlene Foster said on Sunday, the crucial issue of parading was being handled in a positive way during the talks. Gregory Campbell, who is seen as one of the DUP's hardliners, said progress was being made in the talks.
She denied TUV leader Jim Allister's view that the DUP would do a deal as MLAs were "petrified" of an election. However, he warned that it should not be taken for granted that the parties were on the cusp of a deal.
He added that unionists need to see evidence of progress on the issues which prevent "community confidence".
'Under pressure'
Over the weekend, the TUV leader Jim Allister said the DUP would do a deal because they were "terrified" of an election.
He said they were under pressure in the wake of the Iris Robinson scandal.He said they were under pressure in the wake of the Iris Robinson scandal.
"Sinn Fein have held a gun to Peter Robinson's head where he has a choice to make - either he rolls over and gives them their demand for policing and justice or he faces the collapse of the assembly and an election," said Mr Allister, a former DUP member who has become the party's arch-critic after quitting over power-sharing."Sinn Fein have held a gun to Peter Robinson's head where he has a choice to make - either he rolls over and gives them their demand for policing and justice or he faces the collapse of the assembly and an election," said Mr Allister, a former DUP member who has become the party's arch-critic after quitting over power-sharing.
Mrs Foster is due to answer First Minister's Questions at the assembly later.
The Alliance Party has scheduled a debate criticising the Executive's failure to resolve critical issues.
Its motion also expresses its deep concern about the consequences for good governance, the economy and public services.
Over the weekend, DUP and Sinn Fein politicians would not confirm whether they were on the brink of a breakthrough, but they did not dampen speculation that a deal could be reached.Over the weekend, DUP and Sinn Fein politicians would not confirm whether they were on the brink of a breakthrough, but they did not dampen speculation that a deal could be reached.
On Saturday, DUP assembly members were called to Stormont for a briefing on the negotiations. DUP acting first minister Arlene Foster said on Sunday that the crucial issue of parading was being handled in a "positive way" during the talks.
Mrs Foster said on Sunday that there was a good atmosphere at the talks and rejected claims by Mr Allister that they were negotiating "with a gun to their head". Hermon says no
She began work as acting first minister last week after DUP leader Peter Robinson announced he was standing aside for six weeks to clear his name over an allegation surrounding his wife Iris's financial conduct. Meanwhile, the Ulster Unionist's sole MP has dismissed suggestions that she might be offered the new role of justice minister if a deal on devolution is agreed.
Lady Hermon has ruled herself out of any new justice ministry role
In a statement, Lady Sylvia Hermon said she was "intrigued by the sudden speculation" but made it very clear that she had no intention of standing down from Westminster in order to take the justice portfolio at Stormont.
"The first major snag, of course, is that I'm not an MLA, which any future justice minister might be. Secondly, having always disapproved of double-jobbing, I'm certainly not about to become both an MP and an MLA.
"So, am I about to swop roles and join the Assembly, thereby precipitating yet another by-election for Westminster? The answer is a definite 'No', she said.
Mrs Foster, who began work as acting first minister last week, is due to answer First Minister's Questions at the assembly later.
The Alliance Party has also scheduled a debate criticising the Executive's failure to resolve critical issues.
Its motion also expresses its deep concern about the consequences for good governance, the economy and public services.