The publication of proposals aimed at breaking the current political deadlock in Northern Ireland has been postponed.

Spokespersons for both the British and Irish governments said that "continuing discussions between the government and the pro-Agreement parties have led the governments to conclude that sufficient progress has not yet been made which would allow the holding of a meeting between the prime minister the Taoiseach and parties later today".

Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern were due to arrive in Hillsborough to unveil the new blueprint, however, this latest setback has sent a wave of uncertainty throughout Northern Ireland's elected party leaders.

Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble said: "Yesterday, in the House of Commons, I warned the Secretary of State about releasing a paper unless they were sure of an adequate response from Republicans. Clearly, my concerns were well founded, as events today bear out.

"Republicans have questioned our commitment to work the institutions, and have expressed their unhappiness with sanctions and the timeframe for the devolution of policing and justice, but this is a smokescreen designed to conceal the fact that they have not been able to deliver. Society cannot be held to ransom because Republicans cannot deliver on their commitments. The failure is the failure of Republicans to implement the Belfast Agreement".

However, both SDLP leader Mark Durkan, and Sinn Fein president, Gerry Adams were of the opinion that the two governments should publish the joint declaration immediately. "The people are entitled to know what the government's intend to do," Mr Adams said.

However, DUP leader, Ian Paisley was in no doubt for who was to blame for the delay. He said: "Once again the IRA has called the shots and blackmailed the British Government.

"Mr Blair has again capitulated to the demands of the IRA. He told us that all negotiations were over. There were to be no further talks. It was to be a take it or leave it basis.

"Now the Prime Minister has signalled his willingness to bow the knee to IRA/Sinn Fein and to continue with more negotiations."

Today's postponement coincided with the fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

(MB)