North and south ministers to meet

Politicians in Ireland, north and south, must focus on building the economy and supporting the peace process, Brian Cowen said today.

This came as the Taoiseach prepared to lead his government’s ministers in a session of cross-border talks with the North's administration.

The North-South Ministerial Council, first formed under the Good Friday peace agreement of 1998 is marking its 10th anniversary, but proceedings today are likely to be overshadowed by fears for the future of the Stormont Assembly.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin are divided over the timing of the devolution of law and order powers to the Assembly.

Republican deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness accuses the DUP First Minister Peter Robinson of delaying a deal, and has called for agreement by Christmas to avoid a crisis.

Mr Cowen said today’s meeting, in Limavady, Co Derry, which brings together ministers drawn from both jurisdictions in Ireland should be an opportunity to build for the future.

“The scale of the economic challenge facing everyone on this island is now fully recognised by all,” he said.

“Meeting that challenge has called for resolute leadership in taking difficult decisions, as we build towards economic recovery.

“Resolute leadership has also been at the heart of the peace process and the transformation in relationships on this island in recent years.”

Today’s agenda includes a series of programmes organised to encourage economic development on both sides of the border.

“The North/South Ministerial Council has its 10th anniversary this month and today’s meeting is an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved in those 10 years,” the Taoiseach said.

“But, more importantly, it is a time to work together to make the most of our transformed relationship to help all of our people through this recession, to build a successful smart economy on this island and to provide better, more joined up and more cost-effective public services."