NI First Ministers Clash

A public spat between Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness over the devolution of policing and justice powers escalated last night.

Mr McGuinness said he had found it increasing difficult to forge a working relationship with the DUP leader, suggesting it was through no ill will on his part.

"I have to record my annoyance at the fact I have not been able to develop a close working relationship with Peter Robinson," he said.

"That is through no deficiency or lack of effort on my part."

The Deputy First Minister accused Mr Robinson of getting "cold feet" over the transfer of judiciary responsibility to the local Assembly.

Mr Robinson (pictured) said he regretted the Sinn Féin deputy leader's decision "to publicly make intemperate personal remarks about me".

He refused to respond to Mr McGuinness's comments, suggesting that would only allow the media to assume there was a row at the heart of government.

"I am surprised that he believes such attacks are likely to help us resolve the issues that we presently face," said the First Minister.

"I will not allow the press to characterise his behaviour as a row between us. It requires both parties to be making nasty and provocative remarks to make it a row."

Mr Robinson has continued to insisted outstanding issues should be addressed before further devolution is agreed.

He was criticised by Mr McGuinness's for failing to attend the latest round of talks with Prime Minister Gordon Brown this week.

Mr Robinson said it was pointless holding meetings while differences between budget projections of the Treasury and local criminal justice agencies remained.

(PR/BMcC)