Brown Belfast Bound To Boost Embattled Executive

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reportedly planned a stop-off in Northern Ireland next week to meet with the fractured Executive.

Downing Street has yet to confirm the details of the visit, but it is expected Mr Brown will touch down in Belfast on Tuesday, when he will meet top Ministers at the devolved Stormont government.

It is understood the PM's visit is part of a wider UK tour, however, the Northern Ireland trip is perfectly timed to hold crisis talks with the leading power-sharing parties, who appear to be at virtual stalemate.

Mr Brown will contribute to ongoing talks surrounding the devolution of policing and justice in the Province, which has proved a firm stumbling block in recent months.

This devolved responsibility was promised in the political deal that led to the formation of the Stormont Government.

Sinn Fein has lobbied hard for progress on the issue, amid DUP fears the government, and the people of Northern Ireland, are not prepared for the transition of a policing and justice department to a local elected minister.

Sinn Fein has made threats that it will pull ministers from the Executive if the DUP continue to block further advancement.

A full Executive team meeting has not been held at Stormont since June, with many MLAs calling for the recent summer recess to be suspended to allow talks to recommence.

Despite this, a fresh meeting has been scheduled for next Thursday.

First Minister Peter Robinson has threatened serious consequences if the meeting does not go ahead.

Sinn Fein and the DUP have so far agreed on a single department, comprising both policing and justice.

The two main parties have also claimed they will not put forward candidates for the post, and instead would back a cross party minister - a possible nod to the Alliance Party.

However, the installation of an Alliance minister would require amendments to the St Andrews agreement, which would have to be backed by the Prime Minister.

(PR/JM)