Taoiseach welcomes £50bn North package

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has welcomed the British government's announcement of a £50bn (€75bn) "peace dividend" for the North.

The money had been requested by all of the Northern political parties to help the area boost its economic competitiveness after years of conflict.

Speaking ahead of a meeting with Sinn Féin today, Mr Ahern said the package would still have to be analysed to see how much extra resources were included, but he said it was certainly helpful and positive.

Northern Secretary Peter Hain, meanwhile, has reiterated that the funding is contingent on the North's politicians agreeing a deal to restore power-sharing by March.

He also said the package was not under negotiation and the British government would not be engaging in a "Dutch auction on the figures".