Ahern: NI decision expected tonight

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern expects to know whether there will be a deal struck on the Northern Ireland peace process by this evening after confirming to the Dáil that the IRA has met with the International Decommissioning body.

“Later this evening we expect to be advised finally whether we have agreement,” he said. “If there is agreement we expect that this will be revealed tomorrow.”

Behind the scenes negotiations are continuing to secure a deal ahead of the likely visit of Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair to Belfast tomorrow.

Bertie Ahern has said the IRA has been in touch with General John de Chastelain to discuss arms decommissioning but difficulties remain.

“Yes there has been a meeting with the IRA and John de Chastelain, those meetings as I understand them are ongoing and there are a number of issues which have not been resolved though progress has been made.”

“There are obviously technical issues that have to be dealt with; it's a matter for the International Commision to deal with.”

Mr Ahern said the two governments, alongside all the parties, have worked hard together to resolve and bring closure to all outstanding issues.

He said that if the deal was accepted it would open the way to a comprehensive partnership based on the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Ahern confirmed that in any event he would be meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Belfast tomorrow.