Leaders are hopeful of the North’s devolution

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair remained hopeful last night that progress could be made today to ultimately restore a power-sharing Government to the North.

Significantly, a note of optimism was creeping into the comments of some of the parties, although there was little chance of a definitive deal being wrapped up.

Unlike previous peace talks, the proceedings must conclude by lunchtime tomorrow as a wedding is booked into Leeds Castle in the afternoon.