North parties hail 'constructive' talks

Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionists both struck optimistic notes today as crunch talks to devolve policing powers to the North continued at Stormont.

DUP Assembly members appeared in relaxed mood after emerging from a three-hour meeting during which troubled party leader Peter Robinson, still reeling from the sex and money scandal involving his wife Iris, briefed colleagues on the progress of negotiations.