Talks signal countdown to power-sharing

Northern Secretary Peter Hain will hold new talks in Belfast today as a two-week countdown begins to the deadline for restoring power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

Northern Secretary Peter Hain will hold new talks in Belfast today as a two-week countdown begins to the deadline for restoring power-sharing in the North.

With British Chancellor Gordon Brown also expected to feature in the next fortnight as the parties seek to negotiate a package of up to £1bn (€1.47bn) to run the new devolved administration, Mr Hain is meeting Sinn Féin chiefs Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.