Ahern and Blair to meet parties today

A fresh attempt to break the deadlock in the Northern peace process will get underway today.

The Taoiseach and British Prime Minister Tony Blair will hold private discussions in London.

Mr Ahern and Mr Blair will then meet separately with the pro-Agreement parties.

The talks are taking place as the countdown continues to David Trimble's resignation as First Minister.

The Ulster Unionist leader has threatened to step down on July 1 unless the IRA starts decommissioning its weapons.