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Politicians 'on brink of NI deal' Politicians 'on brink of NI deal'
(20 minutes later)
There is intense speculation that the DUP and Sinn Fein are close to signing a deal on the transfer of policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland.There is intense speculation that the DUP and Sinn Fein are close to signing a deal on the transfer of policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland.
The parties spent last week in deadlock over transferring powers from Westminster to the Stormont Assembly.The parties spent last week in deadlock over transferring powers from Westminster to the Stormont Assembly.
On Sunday, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the parties had made "considerable progress".On Sunday, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the parties had made "considerable progress".
But DUP MP Gregory Campbell said the public should be consulted on any agreement.But DUP MP Gregory Campbell said the public should be consulted on any agreement.
Talks aimed at saving the power-sharing government will resume later at Hillsborough Castle with both sides in optimistic mood. Talks aimed at saving the power-sharing government will resume later at Hillsborough Castle with both sides in optimistic mood, BBC Northern Ireland political editor Mark Devenport said.
Sinn Fein and the DUP have been arguing for months over the timing and circumstances of the transfer of powers to Belfast. "Just days ago Mr McGuinness was thought to be on the brink of resignation, but on Sunday he expressed the hope that there was now a basis upon which nationalists, republicans, unionists and loyalists can move forwards together," he said.
Sinn Fein wants the powers transferred immediately, while the DUP has said that can only happen when there is "community confidence" among unionists. "DUP negotiators also say considerable progress has been made."
The largest unionist party said that confidence could be built through a deal on how to resolve the parading issue.
ANALYSIS Chris Buckler, BBC News correspondent We have got extra security outside Hillsborough Castle, although on Friday we were also talking about heightened security amid increased speculation of the prime ministers returning so that's no guarantee of anything.ANALYSIS Chris Buckler, BBC News correspondent We have got extra security outside Hillsborough Castle, although on Friday we were also talking about heightened security amid increased speculation of the prime ministers returning so that's no guarantee of anything.
There has been a 24-hour break for the negotiators to gather their thoughts before these marathon talks resume.There has been a 24-hour break for the negotiators to gather their thoughts before these marathon talks resume.
Mood music has been talked about an awful lot and I'm not sure whether this particular song is one of heartbreak or making up.Mood music has been talked about an awful lot and I'm not sure whether this particular song is one of heartbreak or making up.
Over the weekend the sounds were more optimistic, but now we have this caveat from Gregory Campbell of the DUP that even if we do get a deal they will want to talk to the unionist community to gauge confidence.Over the weekend the sounds were more optimistic, but now we have this caveat from Gregory Campbell of the DUP that even if we do get a deal they will want to talk to the unionist community to gauge confidence.
Sinn Fein and the DUP have been arguing for months over the timing and circumstances of the transfer of powers to Belfast.
Sinn Fein wants the powers transferred immediately, while the DUP has said that can only happen when there is "community confidence" among unionists.
The largest unionist party said that confidence could be built through a deal on how to resolve the parading issue.
However, republicans have maintained that devolution should not depend on agreement on parading.However, republicans have maintained that devolution should not depend on agreement on parading.
Resignation fears
After six days and five nights of talks, negotiators spent Sunday recharging their batteries.After six days and five nights of talks, negotiators spent Sunday recharging their batteries.
Just days ago, Mr McGuinness was thought to be on the brink of resignation. But Mr Campbell said on Sunday night his party intended to consult the public on any agreement.
But on Sunday, he expressed hope that there was now a basis on which nationalists and republicans, unionists and loyalists could move forward together.
DUP negotiators also said considerable progress had been made. But Mr Campbell said on Sunday evening that his party intended to consult the public on any agreement.
"People need to be consulted, they need to see the bones of the deal and the detail of it, and then give a response that allows us to say whether we proceed or don't," he said."People need to be consulted, they need to see the bones of the deal and the detail of it, and then give a response that allows us to say whether we proceed or don't," he said.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said if Mr Campbell was suggesting consulting the whole community, then his approach was "novel".Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said if Mr Campbell was suggesting consulting the whole community, then his approach was "novel".
"I think it would be really cool for the people of Garvaghy Road to have Gregory coming down to ask them how he should proceed," he said."I think it would be really cool for the people of Garvaghy Road to have Gregory coming down to ask them how he should proceed," he said.
"It would even be a very novel idea for people from working class unionist areas. But the main thing is to get the agreement. We are not there yet. Some significant work has been done and we are meeting very soon to finish off, I hope, the remaining points.""It would even be a very novel idea for people from working class unionist areas. But the main thing is to get the agreement. We are not there yet. Some significant work has been done and we are meeting very soon to finish off, I hope, the remaining points."
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward flew back to Belfast late on Sunday evening after briefing the prime minister in London on the detail of the inter-party discussions.Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward flew back to Belfast late on Sunday evening after briefing the prime minister in London on the detail of the inter-party discussions.
Mr Brown and the Irish prime minister Brian Cowen may return to Northern Ireland later on Monday, if a deal is finalised.Mr Brown and the Irish prime minister Brian Cowen may return to Northern Ireland later on Monday, if a deal is finalised.
The British and Irish prime ministers chaired talks between Northern Ireland's political parties for three days last week.The British and Irish prime ministers chaired talks between Northern Ireland's political parties for three days last week.
On Wednesday, Mr Brown and Mr Cowen said that if there was no deal within 48 hours they would publish their own proposals but that deadline was allowed to pass with the parties still locked in discussions.On Wednesday, Mr Brown and Mr Cowen said that if there was no deal within 48 hours they would publish their own proposals but that deadline was allowed to pass with the parties still locked in discussions.
The talks represent the longest period of sustained negotiations since the peace process began in the 1990s.The talks represent the longest period of sustained negotiations since the peace process began in the 1990s.