North policing package to be published

The financial package being offered by the British government to support the devolution of policing powers to Stormont is due to be published today.

The move follows the latest round of negotiations on the package between British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the North's First and Deputy First Ministers.

Sinn Féin has already given its approval to the £800m (€879m) package, but DUP leader Peter Robinson has been seeking further clarification and has been insisting that he will not be rushed into a decision.

Many DUP hardliners are still uneasy about sharing power with Sinn Féin and are not enthusiastic about policing powers being devolved to an administration that involves republicans.

Speaking last night, Mr Robinson said he would discuss the financial package with his DUP colleagues and other political parties once it is in the public domain.

Last night was the first time the DUP leader has departed from talks on the matter without stating that he still needs further clarification.