Plans under way for Irish Godfather

The writers of Will Smith's new film Ali have signed a six-figure deal to write an Irish version of The Godfather.

Chris Wilkinson and Steve Rivele will write the script for director Jim Sheridan.

Sheridan came up with the story about an Irish orphan who is rescued from the potato famine in 1895 and brought to America.

There he becomes a powerful political and financial figure with ties to organised crime. The film follows the development of his empire through to 1955, according to reports.

Sheridan's previous films include My Left Foot and In The Name Of The Father.

There's no word yet on who will act in the film.