Robinson raises hopes in the North

There is fresh hope of a breakthrough in the delayed transfer of policing and justice powers to the North.

First Minister Peter Robinson has made it clear today he does not want a return to direct rule from London.

In his Christmas message, the DUP leader said he doesn't want to see the North presided over by a series of "here today, gone tomorrow direct rulers".

The difficulties in completing the transfer have been threatening the future of the power sharing executive.