North power-sharing - Hopeful signs ahead of historic talks

Today’s notable meeting expected between Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and DUP leader Ian Paisley is at least indicative that the formula worked out during last week’s talks in Scotland may in the longer term prove fruitful.

For the first time the two men will encounter each other across the negotiating table in the Preparation for Government committee meeting at Stormont.

As both men have confirmed they will be present, it will certainly be epoch-making, but whether it will lead to an agreement-making relationship remains to be seen.