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Crunch talks resume at Stormont Crunch talks continue at Stormont
(about 11 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. Talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein over the devolution of policing and justice are continuing at Stormont.
Gregory Campbell, who is seen as one of the DUP's hardliners, said progress was being made in the talks. There is intense speculation about an imminent deal on the devolution of the powers.
However, he warned that it should not be taken for granted that the parties were on the cusp of a deal. DUP MP Gregory Campbell said progress was being made, but 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".He added that unionists need to see evidence of progress on the issues which prevent "community confidence".
'Under pressure''Under pressure'
Over the weekend, the TUV leader Jim Allister said the DUP would do a deal because they were "terrified" of an election.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.
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. Speaking in the Assembly on Monday, acting First Minister Arlene Foster said she was thankful that all the Stormont parties seemed to be moving increasingly in favour of a deal.
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. But she said there were those outside who were using it for political point-scoring.
"I think policing and justice, when the outstanding issues are dealt with, will be good for all of the people of Northern Ireland," said Mrs Foster.
BBC Northern Ireland's political editor, Mark Devenport, said the talks seemed to be in a "holding pattern".
"If we were aircraft we would be going round in circles," he said.
"I don't think that we've got any kind of a breakdown, at the moment they still seem to be talking in positive terms.
"If they do start widening out the circle, in terms of briefing other politicians in terms of what is going on, then they'll have to move fairly quickly because once that happens the details will probably leak out."
Hermon says noHermon says no
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.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 roleLady 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.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."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."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.