Northern Secretary to meet Brian Cowen

New Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy is to have talks with Foreign Minister Brian Cowen in Dublin on Wednesday.

The meeting emerged after discussions in Dublin today between Mr Cowen and the SDLP's Mark Durkan.

The foreign minister said Wednesday’s exchange of views – his first with Mr Murphy since his appointment in succession to John Reid – would “set the context for discussions in the immediate term“.

Mr Cowen, who will travel to Belfast on Thursday to see political representatives of a number of groups probably including Sinn Fein, said he wanted the pro-Good Friday agreement parties to come forward with ideas.

The current position in Northern Ireland following the suspension of the ruling executive was discussed in detail by the foreign minister and Mr Durkan, who underscored the boost that could be achieved if all the parties backing the agreement signalled their continued support.