Bush to call Adams in search for deal

US President George W Bush is expected to speak by telephone to Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams today as part of an intensive, last-minute effort to restore the devolved government to the North.

Mr Bush spoke with DUP leader Ian Paisley by phone yesterday, in his first direct intervention in this round of negotiations.

Yesterday, Dr Paisley confirmed he had had what he described as a long and useful conversation with Mr Bush at lunchtime.