Taoiseach to discuss Northern Bank raid fallout with SF

Sinn Féin is to meet the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern next week in an effort to resolve the fallout from the Northern Bank robbery.

The meeting is expected to go ahead in Dublin on Tuesday morning.

Mr Ahern has accused the party of having prior knowledge of the bank raid in which €38m was stolen.

He has also said the issue of IRA criminality must be resolved before the Government re-enters peace negotiations with Sinn Féin.

An opinion poll in this morning's Irish Times has found that two thirds of voters believe the Irish and British governments should continue to negotiate with Sinn Féin for a deal in the North.

The Sinn Féin justice spokesperson, Aengus O Snodaigh said he is optimistic that all parties can cross this latest hurdle in the peace process.