Blair warns of North’s moment of truth as talks begin

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair last night warned it was the North’s “moment of truth” as he and the Taoiseach launched a frantic last-ditch diplomatic effort to restore power-sharing.

Bertie Ahern backed up Mr Blair’s cautious optimism of brokering a “last chance” deal as intensive talks opened at the St Andrews summit in Scotland.

The British PM insisted it was a “one off” opportunity devolve power and secure the peace process: “It’s time to get the business done. I believe the political will is there to do it. The discussions in the coming hours will decide. It is enormously important that we have some sense, that this is really the moment to decide.”