SF pushing for British to cut security as part of deal

SINN FÉIN is pressing for dramatic and early reductions of British military personnel and the accelerated removal of security fortifications in the North as part of a historic power-sharing deal with the DUP.

As the party's leadership prepares to meet with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Government buildings this afternoon, sources said Sinn Féin has put forward the view that commitments to demilitarisation should be "front-loaded" to facilitate a deal.

Demilitarisation was one of the key commitments contained in the joint declaration of the Irish and British governments that emerged from the Weston Park talks.