North's parties to be briefed on policing proposals

The North's First and Deputy First Ministers are due to meet other Assembly parties today to discuss the latest proposals on the devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness will meet representatives of the UUP, the SDLP and the Alliance Party to discuss a financial package to underpin the transfer.

The British Government is believed to be offering an £800m (€862.5m) package that includes funding for a new police training college.

Sinn Féin has already accepted the package, but the DUP is seeking further commitments and has insisted that it will not be rushed into any decision.

Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness held a series of meetings with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday as part of efforts to secure agreement on the matter.