Church leaders call for restraint as emergency talks begin in North

The leaders of the two main churches in the North are appealing to all the political parties to work through the present difficulties in the peace process.

Catholic Primate, Archbishop Sean Brady, and the Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, issued their joint message, as they were presented with honorary degrees by the University of Ulster.

The call comes as the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister are engaged in emergency talks with Northern political parties at Hillsborough castle. Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern arrived at Hillsborough just after 2pm.

The two men first held a private meeting before holding talks with smaller parties, mainly the Alliance, Women's Coalition and the PUP.

They are due to meet with the SDLP, Sinn Fein and the Unionists shortly before a round table session just after 6pm.