UUP MLAs Hold Justice Meeting

Ulster Unionist Assembly members will meet later to discuss their approach to the Hillsborough Castle Agreement.

So far the party has refused to publicly support the accord.

The devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster to Belfast has proved one of the most contentious issues to affect the Stormont government.

A deal was eventually reached between the DUP and Sinn Fein last month.

The two leading parties had been locked in intensified negotiations for weeks.

DUP leader and First Minister Peter Robinson has insisted the UUP's backing is essential for progress to be made.

The party's Assembly group will hold talks in County Antrim today, in what has been described as a "brainstorming session".

Sources say MLAs will weigh their options before an Assembly vote on the transfer of powers.

UUP representatives have called for wider agreement on key issues such as education.

Talk have been held this week between the DUP and UUP leadership. It is believed these will continue through the weekend.

All of Northern Ireland's 108 MLAs will vote on the Hillsborough Agreement on Tuesday.

It is hoped devolution could begin next month. Nominations for the role of justice minister have already been made.

The DUP will hold its own Executive meeting on Monday to assess the unionist community's response to recent political events.

First Minister Robinson has long insisted the devolution of policing powers is dependent on "community confidence".

(PR/BMcC)