Progress being made in policing talks

All sides in the continuing talks over the devolution of policing powers to the North say progress is being made and they will continue meeting in the coming days.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown launched a fresh push this week to broker a financial deal that will allow for policing and justice powers to be administered from Stormont.

He travelled to Belfast on Monday to meet the First and Deputy First Ministers, with the discussions continuing yesterday in London.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness says the negotiations are at a crucial point and all parties have agreed to meet again over the next few days.

Sinn Féin had accused the DUP of blocking progress for fear of losing ground to unionist hardliners, but First Minister Peter Robinson has insisted that his only concern is to secure adequate financing to ensure Stormont is capable of overseeing the policing and justice system.