Cowen and Brown welcome 'renewed partnership' of deal

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown have joined the North's First and Deputy First Ministers in the past hour to address the media after a deal was struck on the devolution of policing and justice powers.

Mr Cowen said: "(This agreement is) a real opportunity to renew the partnership which is the lifeblood of devolved institutions…The people of Northern Ireland yearn for this constructive partnership to deliver tangible outcomes and improve their lives."