Taoiseach confirms details of planned talks in Scotland

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has confirmed details of planned talks next month in an effort to restore devolved government in the North.

The talks will take place at St Andrew's in Scotland from October 11 to 13 and will be attended by the Irish and British governments, as well as all of the North's political parties.

The negotiations are aimed at securing a deal on the restoration of the power-sharing Executive before the November 24 deadline set out earlier this year.

Most observers, however, are pessimistic about the prospects for progress, with the DUP still refusing to share power with Sinn Féin.

The Irish and British Governments have warned the parties that failure to secure agreement will see the Assembly being shelved indefinitely, with MLAs losing their salaries, expenses and allowances.