'Only rebublicans can secure lift on Sinn Fein ban'

Republicans are the only people who can secure a lifting of the ban on Sinn Fein ministers attending cross-border body meetings, an Ulster Unionist minister insisted today.

Stormont Environment Minister Sam Foster described the latest report by the de Chastelain Arms Commission on its talks with the IRA as ‘‘disappointing’’ because there was still no progress on the putting of weapons beyond use.