Cameron: No Deal On Talks

David Cameron has offered the "financial firepower" for a deal for Northern Ireland if agreement can be found by parties involved in the latest round of talke.

The Prime Minister made the comments as he left Stormont this afternoon. He said he would provide almost £1bn of spending power if agreement could be reached, but would not directly provide a deal.

Northern Ireland's main political parties are engaging in further talks this week as part of an ongoing attempt to resolve issues surrounding flags, parades, the legacy of the Troubles, welfare reform and the budget.

David Cameron and Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny attended the talks this afternoon.

SDLP leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell said: "The Prime Minister and Taoiseach have left and they have not left a solution behind them. We need their further assistance, engagement and commitment to get to the comprehensive deal that all of our people need and deserve.

"The Prime Minister spoke about offering additional money but the offer was essentially junk. A lot of the progress built up on Haass is being diluted and watered down. What we’re seeing in terms of parades, for example, is less workable and less reliable in the view of the SDLP.

"There are also the serious issues around Welfare. That is not only an issue for the Executive Budget but for so many families across Northern Ireland. We have a responsibility to look out for the rights of those people.

"The papers produced by the British Government do not reflect the needs of people in Northern Ireland and more particularly the needs of victims. A menu of more Tory and Treasury dogma and will not get us across the line. We need to be aware that people across the North, particularly victims and survivors will see through superficial deal particularly one that is shallow on money and shallow on substance.

"The Talks have to continue. The only people who really count in these Talks are all those across the North who have been repeatedly let down because of the failures of others."

(IT/CD)