Blair and Ahern to meet in peace talks

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern were meeting in London today as efforts to restore devolution in Northern Ireland were at a critical stage.

After a week of intensive discussions with Sinn Fein and other parties aimed at securing a significant move from the IRA and implementing in full the Good Friday agreement, both premiers were expected to assess the chances of a breakthrough when they travel to Northern Ireland next week.