Deadline looms for deal in the North

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen may be forced to intervene unless there is an 11th hour deal on the transfer of policing and justice powers to the North's Assembly.

The DUP and Sinn Féin have until lunchtime to agree a process to transfer the powers from London to Belfast by the start of May.

The Taoiseach and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will publish their own proposals for a way forward unless a compromise is reached.

The Progressive Unionist Party Leader Dawn Purvis hasn't given up hope of a successful outcome just yet.