Prime Minister to meet NI parties in Downing Street

Prime Minister Tony Blair is to hold talks today in Downing Street with representatives from the DUP, SDLP and UUP in a bid to end the current stalemate situation in the Northern Ireland political process.

Mr Blair will discuss the issues with each party and try to come up with a solution in order to return to a state of devolution.

Next week, the two governments will hold more discussions with the local parties at Hillsborough Castle, and later this week, Political Development Minister David Hanson will hold talks at Stormont.

During today's meeting SDLP leader Mark Durkin will warn Tony Blair that policing in Northern Ireland could weaken if the British government continues with plans give MI5 the main responsibility for intelligence gathering.

Mr Durkan will emphasise his party's opposition to the legislation, which will go before MP's tomorrow.

Yesterday, the government announced plans to have the MI5 working alongside the PSNI in dealing with all intelligence gathering in Northern Ireland affairs.

MI5 is expected to move to a new Northern Ireland base in Palace Barracks in Holywood, Co Down in preparation for its expanded role, which comes into effect at the end of 2007.

Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde has welcomed the plan, saying it would bring Northern Ireland in line with other parts of the UK.

The Prime Minister is also expected to discuss proposals made by the DUP, in their dossier outlining their ideas at restoring devolution without all party power sharing.

However, Sinn Fein and the SDLP have both strongly opposed this interim proposal on partial devolution.

(EF/SP)