Governments agree to power-sharing delay

The governments have agreed to go along with the May 8 date for restoring power-sharing.

The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach discussed the development in a phone call and, in light of the "absolute commitment" to power-sharing, agreed to the delay.

Mr Blair said it was a very important day for the people of Northern Ireland and that "everything that had been done over the last ten years had been in preparation for this moment."

Mr Ahern described the meeting between Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams as "unprecedented and very positive" and with "the potential to transform the future of this island".

The full NI Assembly was scheduled to meet at noon today to appoint ministers to the executive, but pending the outcome of today's meeting between the DUP and Sinn Fein party leaders this plan was postponed.

However, the Assembly's Speaker Eileen Bell will keep in touch with the party whips.

Normal Assembly business today was eclipsed by the news that the delegation from the DUP and Sinn Fein had agreed a resumption date for devolution.

The DUP has agreed a six-week delay in business as they work towards devolution.

If the May 8 date holds it is the first time the Assembly will get a locally elected executive since the 2002 suspension of the devolved government.

(SP/KMcA)