Sinn Fein hints at shift in stance

Sinn Fein tonight hinted the party could shift its position in the North's peace process if British Prime Minister Tony Blair met demands for more policing reforms and the scaling down of Army watchtowers.

As the Prime Minister prepared for a crucial meeting at Downing Street tomorrow with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness said republicans would be prepared to respond positively if the British government shouldered its responsibilities under the Good Friday Agreement.