Adams and Paisley in London to discuss 'peace dividend'

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and DUP leader Ian Paisley are due to meet the British Chancellor to negotiate details of a "peace dividend" for the North.

The British and Irish Governments have both promised a major investment package to underpin the Northern economy if local politicians agree to resume power-sharing by Monday's deadline.

Chancellor Gordon Brown confirmed today that the deal would be worth around €50bn over the coming years.

The DUP has so far refused to commit itself to sharing power with republicans, but many observers believe the party's stance is designed to secure an improved economic package from Mr Brown.

One of the main areas of contention is understood to be corporation tax, which the North's parties believe should be brought in line with Ireland's substantially lower rate of 12.5%.