Policing Talks Continue In London

Hours after hosting PM Gordon Brown at Stormont, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have returned to Downing Street in a bid to progress policing and justice talks.

However, despite Sinn Féin's optimism over devolving the powers, a senior DUP figure has urged his republican colleagues to "chill out".

The Prime Minister arrived in Northern Ireland yesterday amid heightened tensions between the Assembly's two largest parties.

DUP Leader Mr Robinson and Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness were said to have made good progress, following the latest round of talks with Mr Brown.

However, the top ministers held separate meetings with Mr Brown, who cleared a packed diary to visit the province.

Mr Robinson said discussions were calm and that both side were "behaving rationally".

"We are working through the issues," he said.

The First Minister has continued to insist the new powers cannot be transfered until a satisfactory budget is agreed, and there is consensus among the unionist community.

The DUP reportedly submitted an eight-page document to the Prime Minister, highlighting concerns over the disbandment of the police full time reserve, and the retention of personal protection weapons for all former security personnel.

It is believed Stormont is lobbying for £600m funding to establish and run the new judiciary department.

Mr McGuinness, who insisted devolution should happen at the earliest possible time, said yesterday: "In terms of the financial situation, we are moving forward, I think fairly decisively."

Despite this, DUP MP Gregory Campbell said Assembly members should "take a chill pill" over the issue, insisting a deal will be done when the time is right, should that be in "six months, 12 months or three years".

The First and Deputy First Minister will reconvene at Downing Street later today.

(PR/BMcC)