Devolution Talks To Resume In NYC

Northern Ireland's top ministers will continue discussions over devolved policing and justice powers in New York tomorrow.

However, First Minister Peter Robinson (pictured) has rejected the Deputy First Minister's suggestions talks were nearing completion.

Martin McGuinness had indicated a final financial deal could be agreed by the end of this week.

Mr Robinson conceded progress had been made at Downing Street yesterday, but insisted some issues are still outstanding.

The ministers have held a series of meetings with Prime Minister Gordon Brown in an attempt to secure adequate funding for the new Executive powers.

As part of the deal, the control of local policing and the province's judicial system will be transfered to a Stormont minister.

Ministers Robinson and McGuinness are due to attend an economic conference in New York city later, but are expected to resume budgetary talks.

Mr Robinson said: "A number of big-ticket issues remain outstanding and have not been addressed by the government, however, the prime minister has given a commitment to deal with these matters later this week.

"Whilst I will be travelling to New York on Wednesday morning, I have made it clear that these financial discussions will not be concluded in the States.

"As far as I am concerned, the party will not be concluding the financial deal until the party officers and our assembly group have evaluated the package and are satisfied."

Despite this, Mr McGuinness said he was hopeful discussion could be concluded in NYC.

"I said last week that I thought we had made good progress," he told the BCC.

"I think we've made further good progress - even significant progress - in the course of our discussions this evening around a range of issues that are of concern to us.

"We are hoping to conclude our discussions on all of this in New York on Wednesday."

(PR/GK)