Opposition talks crime in the North

PARAMILITARY involvement in crime and policing dominated meetings by Fine Gael and Labour leaders Enda Kenny and Pat Rabbitte with political parties in Belfast.

Speaking at a press conference at the end of the day-long visit, Mr Kenny said he was not optimistic that the parties will agree to restore devolution by the November 24 deadline.

Mr Kenny and Pat Rabbitte were in Stormont where they held discussions with Rev Ian Paisley of the DUP; Mark Durkan of the SDLP; Gerry Adams of Sinn Féin; Sir Reg Empey of the UUP; and David Forde of Alliance. They also discussed policing issues with PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde.