Republicans and Unionists urged to cut deal

NORTHERN Secretary Peter Hain last night bluntly warned squabbling Unionist and Republican leaders to cut a deal before Tony Blair loses power.

Mr Hain said no future British Premier would devote the same amount of energy as Mr Blair to making Stormont work as he urged them to meet the November 24 deadline for an agreement.

The comments carry extra weight as Mr Hain is known to be an ally of Mr Blair’s likely successor Gordon Brown.