Taoiseach optimistic about prospects for North progress

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has expressed optimism about the prospects for further progress in the North in the run-up to the latest devolution deadline of March 26th.

New legislation published by the British government yesterday paves the way for Assembly elections on March 7th, but the body will be dissolved if the parties cannot agree to share power by the 26th.