Taoiseach ‘determined’ to restore devolved rule

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern travels to Leeds Castle in Kent today, determined the latest effort to restore devolved government to the North will succeed.

On the eve of the crucial talks, the North’s political parties were given a stark reminder of the economic benefits of peace yesterday as figures showed employment levels have reached a record high.

Northern Ireland’s unemployment rate of 5.1%, is just above the 4.45% level in the Republic, but is lower than four regions in Britain - London, Scotland, the North East and the West Midlands.