SF: UK to call North elections soon

Sinn Féin’s chairman Mitchell McLaughlin has said he believes the British government is on the verge of calling fresh elections in the North.

Following a meeting of the party's Ard Chomhairle in Dublin, Mr McLaughlin claimed republicans have won the argument in the eyes of British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Ulster Unionists have said they won't re-enter a power-sharing executive with Sinn Féin without a declaration by the IRA that its war is over.

US special envoy Richard Haass is due to hold a series of meetings with party leaders in Belfast next week.