Cowen And Brown To Meet Over Devolution

Taoiseach Brian Cowen was to meet British prime minister Gordon Brown in London later on Monday for talks on the North.

They are expected to review progress in the implementation of the outstanding aspects of the St Andrews' Agreement, with a particular focus on the devolution of policing and justice to the democratic institutions in the North.

Sinn Féin has accused the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of delaying the devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster to the Stormont Assembly.

But while republicans have said that failure to secure a deal by Christmas will spark a crisis for the power-sharing government, the DUP has said it will not agree to a deal in the face of Sinn Féin demands, and has called for "confidence building measures" for unionists ahead of agreement.

Mr Cowen said "there has been enormous progress in Northern Ireland in recent years, based on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrews' Agreement.

"It is vital to maintain that momentum so as to ensure that the institutions continue to work for the benefit of the entire community, especially at this very difficult time economically.

"The Prime Minister and I remain fully committed to working closely together, and with the parties, to overcome the remaining obstacles to the devolution of policing and justice and to continue to build a better future for all of the people of Northern Ireland."

But tension mounted over the weekend as Sinn Féin claimed the DUP is pursuing policies that will create a political train wreck in the North.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, after holding talks with Mr Cowen in Tullamore on Saturday, said Sinn Féin required a commitment from DUP leader Peter Robinson before Christmas to see policing and justice powers transferred early in the new year.

Sinn Féin chairman Declan Kearney yesterday accused the DUP of pursuing a "train wreck political strategy" which would have inevitable "political consequences," a comment the British and Irish governments fear means Sinn Féin would walk out of the Assembly and Executive if policing and justice powers are not speedily devolved.