Parties to decide stances on Stormont committee

The North's political parties must decide by later today if they will be taking part in the Stormont committee being established to prepare the way for restoring devolution.

The parties have been trying to figure out exactly what powers and remit the committee will have before making up their minds.

The DUP had threatened to boycott the body if it was given powers to negotiate a deal on restoring the power-sharing institutions as the party is still refusing to enter any form of negotiations with Sinn Féin.

Sinn Féin, on the other hand, had suggested it might not take part if the committee amounted to nothing more than a talking shop.

Last week, Northern Secretary Peter Hain said the body would not have negotiating powers, but would be asked to identify the issues that need to be addressed to pave the way for a return to power-sharing.