Top NI Team Open London Talks

The new NI top team have had little time to celebrate, as they are this morning in London with the Prime Minister.

Welcoming Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness to Downing Street on their first day in office together, Gordon Brown is also to host crucial talks after Sinn Fein appeared to threaten to derail Mr Robinson's elevation as First Minister - although finally going ahead with the necessary nominations yesterday.

The party is seeking resolution of "certain outstanding issues", including the devolution of policing and justice.

Today's meeting at Downing Street will last around three hours to facilitate the talks with Mr Brown who is expected to congratulate the ministers, and encourage the political rivals to build on progress already made.

The official No 10 website noted the meeting will centre on "various issues" - including the forward investment strategy for Northern Ireland, the economic situation and the devolution of policing and justice.

Discussions will also address concerns around paramilitary organisations, parades, sites, the Irish language and education, and the putting in place of a process to deal with them.

The PM's statement also said "he remained committed to the continuing implementation of the St Andrews agreement and to helping the parties to deal with issues that have been raised".

The meeting follows talks held with Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams at Number 10 earlier this week.

However, the Prime Minister is not expected to directly broker the talks, rather after meeting the two NI Ministers, they will be encouraged to spend several hours discussing issues such as the transfer of policing and justice and ongoing concern over paramilitary organisations.

It is also expected that a representative of the Irish government will be in London for the discussions.

(BMcC)