Martin: North deal 'very close'

A deal is very close on policing and justice in the North, Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin said today.

There will be positive news soon on the talks between Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionists, Minister Martin told a business breakfast in London.

Negotiations between the British and Irish Governments and the power-sharing partners at Stormont have been going on for the last 10 days.

Mr Martin has co-hosted some of the talks at Hillsborough Castle with Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward.

"A deal struck by the political leaders of Northern Ireland, and facilitated by the Governments, is also an important demonstration that Northern Ireland is open for business,'' Mr Martin said.

“In these difficult economic times it is imperative that the world sees the North as a politically stable and increasingly normalised society which has considerable investment potential.

“Most importantly, a political agreement sends a clear message to those few who still want to undermine peace that they cannot – and will not – succeed.”

Democratic Unionist leader Peter Robinson faced calls today to publish legal advice clearing him of breaching his code of office.

He resumed his role as the North's First Minister after receiving the legal opinion, raising hopes of progress in the search for a deal to save the power-sharing government.