05/01/2010

Devolution Stalemate Prompts Cross Border Meeting

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin is to meet the Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward to discuss the delay in the North's devolution.

The situation has been brewing in the North for sometime with Sinn Féin demanding immediate progress on the transfer of justice and policing powers while the DUP contends improvements in the finances and community confidence must come first.

As the impasse continues, an increasing risk to the stability of Stormont grows with Sinn Fein threatening to boycott the institution until the powers are transferred.

Today's meeting comes shortly after talks between Taoiseach Brian Cowen and the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown before Christmas.

Following their meeting, both leaders stressed the importance of the early completion of the devolution of justice and policing powers following a meeting in London in November.

Senior figures in talks between Sinn Féin and the DUP do not expect to meet until later this week at the earliest.

Mr Woodward is expected to attend the funeral of Catholic Cardinal Cahal Daly in Armagh before his meeting with Mr Martin.

(DW/BMcC)

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