SF discuss moves to end Stormont stand-off

There were signs today of possible progress in the talks to secure the North's power-sharing government after Sinn Féin revealed its party leadership had met to discuss the issue.

Sinn Féin confirmed its party executive met yesterday in Dublin to be briefed by leader Gerry Adams on the state of negotiations with the DUP.

The development comes after the DUP executive met on Friday night to discuss the state of talks aimed at ending the stand-off that has blocked Cabinet meetings at Stormont since June.

Sources today characterised the weekend developments as a sign that progress was being made, but did not say that a deal had been tied down.

Sinn Féin’s party executive was briefed yesterday by Mr Adams and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Sinn Féin’s Assembly members will meet at Stormont tomorrow morning to discuss developments.

The two parties, which dominate the Assembly’s Executive and share the office of First and Deputy First Minister, have been divided on a series of issues including unionist resistance to the immediate devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster.

The parties have been engaged in protracted negotiations over the transfer of justice powers and a number of other outstanding issues.

Today a Sinn Féin spokesperson said: “The Sinn Féin Árd Chomáirle was given an update yesterday by party president Gerry Adams and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness on the talks with the DUP.

“The Sinn Féin Assembly group will consider matters on Monday.”

The Sinn Féin Árd Chomáirle met in Dublin yesterday at the party’s headquarters in Dublin’s Parnell Street.