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21/09/2009
Ministers Resume Justice Funding Talks
Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers today reopened talks at Downing Street centred on agreeing a financial package for a devolved ministry of justice.
The new department would also oversee the province's policing, and pave the way for a local Attorney General.
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have held a succession of talks with PM Gordon Brown - most recently last week - but have still to settle a final funding deal.
Both ministers have insisted a satisfactory budget must be in place before the new powers are transferred to the Stormont Executive.
On Wednesday, Mr Robinson conceded some progress had been made, with Mr McGuinness insisting the new department must be established before Christmas.
Speaking ahead of today's meeting, Mr McGuinness said he expects the Prime Minister "to do the right thing".
The Deputy First Minister said there was responsibility on the DUP and Sinn Fein to reach agreement.
The Tories' shadow NI Secretary Owen Paterson said his party was not prepared to underwrite any deal, given the current squeeze on public finances.
Mr Robinson had earlier called on Tory Leader David Cameron to approve the eventual budget, given the possibility of a Conservative government following the next general election.
(PR/KMcA)
The new department would also oversee the province's policing, and pave the way for a local Attorney General.
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have held a succession of talks with PM Gordon Brown - most recently last week - but have still to settle a final funding deal.
Both ministers have insisted a satisfactory budget must be in place before the new powers are transferred to the Stormont Executive.
On Wednesday, Mr Robinson conceded some progress had been made, with Mr McGuinness insisting the new department must be established before Christmas.
Speaking ahead of today's meeting, Mr McGuinness said he expects the Prime Minister "to do the right thing".
The Deputy First Minister said there was responsibility on the DUP and Sinn Fein to reach agreement.
The Tories' shadow NI Secretary Owen Paterson said his party was not prepared to underwrite any deal, given the current squeeze on public finances.
Mr Robinson had earlier called on Tory Leader David Cameron to approve the eventual budget, given the possibility of a Conservative government following the next general election.
(PR/KMcA)
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Still No Justice Agreement
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Still No Justice Agreement
Northern Ireland's two top ministers have failed to agree a financial package with Downing Street for the devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont. Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness met with Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London yesterday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
