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DUP and UUP hold secret meetings DUP and UUP hold secret meetings
(9 minutes later)
It has been revealed Ulster Unionist and senior DUP politicians held secret talks in England over the weekend.It has been revealed Ulster Unionist and senior DUP politicians held secret talks in England over the weekend.
The talks, which included Peter Robinson, were hosted by Conservatives who said the purpose was to "promote greater political stability".The talks, which included Peter Robinson, were hosted by Conservatives who said the purpose was to "promote greater political stability".
Party sources denied they were about an electoral pact or voting arrangements in the event of a hung parliament.Party sources denied they were about an electoral pact or voting arrangements in the event of a hung parliament.
Meanwhile, the UUP's Lady Sylvia Hermon has said she wants clarification over a special meeting of the party executive.Meanwhile, the UUP's Lady Sylvia Hermon has said she wants clarification over a special meeting of the party executive.
Lady Sylvia is the Ulster Unionists' only MP.Lady Sylvia is the Ulster Unionists' only MP.
The meeting at the weekend will hear an update from Sir Reg Empey on recent political negotiations and possibly take decisions about joint UUP-Conservative candidates for the upcoming general election. The meeting at the weekend will hear an update from party leader Sir Reg Empey on recent political negotiations and possibly take decisions about joint UUP-Conservative candidates for the upcoming general election.
However, Lady Hermon, who opposes the UUP's electoral pact with the Conservatives, says she may attend as she wants to hear what party plans are for her North Down constituency - the only one for which the party has so far failed to call a candidate selection hearing.However, Lady Hermon, who opposes the UUP's electoral pact with the Conservatives, says she may attend as she wants to hear what party plans are for her North Down constituency - the only one for which the party has so far failed to call a candidate selection hearing.
'Deal possible' Speaking about the Conservative talks with the two unionist parties, SDLP leader Mark Durkan warned the Tories against "distracting" the unionists from the current talks on the devolution of policing and justice powers.
On Tuesday, the DUP downplayed rumours of a setback in talks with Sinn Fein over the devolution of policing and justice. Private talks
Mr Durkan said: "I think, at a time when everybody should be concentrating on the big issue that is in front of us, it's unhelpful for the Opposition party in Westminster, who are presenting themselves as the government-in-waiting, to distract parties in this way."
On Wednesday, the Conservative Party denied suggestions that it discussed the consequences of a hung parliament with the two main unionist parties in the private talks at the weekend.
A senior Conservative spokesman said the discussions were focused on the current difficulties at Stormont.
The spokesman said: "So far as the Westminster election is concerned, the only deal is the current deal between the Conservatives and the Ulster Unionists.
"We will be putting up 18 Conservative and Unionist candidates at the next election," he said.
There has been intense speculation since the end of last week about a deal on the devolution of the policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland executive.
The parties have been holding talks at Stormont Castle
The DUP downplayed rumours of a setback in talks with Sinn Fein over the devolution of policing and justice.
There had been a suggestion that Sinn Fein had issued the DUP with an ultimatum.There had been a suggestion that Sinn Fein had issued the DUP with an ultimatum.
However, Environment Minister Edwin Poots said a deal was possible.However, Environment Minister Edwin Poots said a deal was possible.
He was speaking as acting First Minister Arlene Foster met with the UUP, SDLP and Alliance about the recent talks.He was speaking as acting First Minister Arlene Foster met with the UUP, SDLP and Alliance about the recent talks.
Mr Poots said all parties were engaged in trying to resolve the impasse.Mr Poots said all parties were engaged in trying to resolve the impasse.
"I don't think there is any particular wobble in the process," he said."I don't think there is any particular wobble in the process," he said.
"Where we are at this point is that we are narrowing down issues, and those issues of concern will have to be resolved."Where we are at this point is that we are narrowing down issues, and those issues of concern will have to be resolved.
"Ultimately we are working our way towards that.""Ultimately we are working our way towards that."
Speaking about the Conservative talks with the two unionist parties SDLP leader Mark Durkan warned the Tories against "distracting" the unionists.
Mr Durkan said: "I think, at a time when everybody should be concentrating on the big issue that is in front of us, it's unhelpful for the Opposition party in Westminster, who are presenting themselves as the government-in-waiting, to distract parties in this way."
There has been intense speculation since the end of last week about a deal on the devolution of the powers.
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward also met with party leaders on Tuesday.