No handshake for Adams at Downing St

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams is meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair today for the first time since the IRA announced that it was giving up its armed campaign.

Mr Blair welcomed Mr Adams and Sinn Féin’s chief negotiator Martin McGuinness for the talks at 10 Downing Street.

There was a brief photocall with camera crews and photographers in the hallway before the talks began, but despite speculation that there might be a historic first public handshake between the two leaders, it did not take place.

Arriving in Downing Street Mr Adams said that he expected the talks would take place in a “good atmosphere” following the IRA’s announcement.