SF seeks £1bn boost for North

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams is calling on the Irish and British governments to pledge £1bn (€1.48bn) in aid to a future power-sharing government at Stormont.

Mr Adams made the call following talks with British prime minister Tony Blair in London today.

The meeting was arranged to discuss the next moves following last week's proposals on how to restore devolved government in the North.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Adams said one of the issues raised was the need for an economic boost in the North and the border counties.

He said the area had been severely disadvantaged by the partition of Ireland and the years of violence and the two governments needed to "put their money where the mouths are".