North’s parties told to take chances

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern last night insisted he will not budge on the deadline for devolution in the North as unionists again demanded Sinn Féin moves on policing.

Speaking after a meeting with republican leaders in Dublin, Mr Ahern said the opportunities available in the “next few critical weeks” must be seized.

There are just seven days to go to the November 10 deadline when all parties must say if they are willing to back the St Andrews Agreement.