Power-sharing in the North to go ahead on May 8

Power will be devolved in the North on May 8 under a deal struck during historic talks by the Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams, the Democratic Unionist Party leader has revealed today.

Regular meetings will take place between the first minister and deputy first minister and there will be a programme of work set up between now and May 8, Dr Paisley said.

Sinn Féin and the DUP are to seek a meeting with Chancellor Gordon Brown to agree an economic package and they have asked Prime Minister Tony Blair to delay the introduction of water charges.

Mr Paisley said: "This meeting represents an important step on the road to the setting-up of a power-sharing executive in six weeks’ time."