Brown hosts talks on Northern Irish policing

NORTHERN Ireland's First and Deputy First Minister met Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Downing Street yesterday to discuss devolving policing and justice powers.

Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness wants responsibilities transferred from London to the Belfast administration as soon as possible, but DUP First Minister Peter Robinson intends to ensure funding and sufficient community confidence are in place. He said threats from Sinn Fein would stall negotiations.

This week Sinn Fein national chairman Declan Kearney accused unionists and the government of playing fast and loose with the talks.