06/11/2002
All-party talks on the agenda following ministerial meeting
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy and Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen are expected to announce details of fresh all-party talks next week following their first ever meeting in Dublin today.
Both ministers discussed their attempts to end the current political crisis and are to meet again next week, after which details of the all-party talks will be revealed.
The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended on October 14 by the then Secretary of State Dr John Reid due to a crisis of confidence over alleged IRA spying activities within the NIO.
The meeting with Brian Cowen was Mr Murphy's first in his capacity as Northern Ireland Secretary of State. It also follows his recent round of talks with local political parties following his appointment as Secretary of State two weeks ago.
Mr Cowen, meanwhile, has met delegations from some of the Northern Ireland parties, including the SDLP.
The Irish Foreign minister is due to meet the Ulster Unionists and some of the smaller pro-Agreement parties in Belfast on Friday.
(MB)
Both ministers discussed their attempts to end the current political crisis and are to meet again next week, after which details of the all-party talks will be revealed.
The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended on October 14 by the then Secretary of State Dr John Reid due to a crisis of confidence over alleged IRA spying activities within the NIO.
The meeting with Brian Cowen was Mr Murphy's first in his capacity as Northern Ireland Secretary of State. It also follows his recent round of talks with local political parties following his appointment as Secretary of State two weeks ago.
Mr Cowen, meanwhile, has met delegations from some of the Northern Ireland parties, including the SDLP.
The Irish Foreign minister is due to meet the Ulster Unionists and some of the smaller pro-Agreement parties in Belfast on Friday.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 March 2010
Pensions Review Reduces Qualifying Period
Pension reforms just announced are to make the overall system fairer.
Pensions Review Reduces Qualifying Period
Pension reforms just announced are to make the overall system fairer.
31 May 2005
£22.5M venture capital fund launched
A new £22.5 million venture capital fund for business development in Northern Ireland has been announced today. Belfast-based Crescent Capital has just completed raising investment for the new fund - known as Crescent Capital II - which will be the largest local source of venture capital available to companies in Northern Ireland.
£22.5M venture capital fund launched
A new £22.5 million venture capital fund for business development in Northern Ireland has been announced today. Belfast-based Crescent Capital has just completed raising investment for the new fund - known as Crescent Capital II - which will be the largest local source of venture capital available to companies in Northern Ireland.
21 October 2026
Swann Hails Pledge To Address Troubles-Related Sexual Violence In Legacy Bill
Robin Swann MP used a Committee of the Whole House debate on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill to argue for his amendment to widen the Legacy Commission's remit to include sexual violence linked to the Troubles.
Swann Hails Pledge To Address Troubles-Related Sexual Violence In Legacy Bill
Robin Swann MP used a Committee of the Whole House debate on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill to argue for his amendment to widen the Legacy Commission's remit to include sexual violence linked to the Troubles.
12 October 2026
PSNI Chief Welcomes Secretary Of State Decision On Portadown Parade
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Jon Boutcher, has welcomed a decision by the Secretary of State, Sir Chris Bryant, following his request for a review of a Parades Commission determination relating to a notified procession by Portadown District Loyal Orange Lodge No 1.
PSNI Chief Welcomes Secretary Of State Decision On Portadown Parade
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Jon Boutcher, has welcomed a decision by the Secretary of State, Sir Chris Bryant, following his request for a review of a Parades Commission determination relating to a notified procession by Portadown District Loyal Orange Lodge No 1.
29 September 2026
UUP Leader Urges Secretary Of State To Push Back Budget Deadline
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has urged the Secretary of State to extend Thursday's deadline for the Northern Ireland Executive to agree a three-year budget, confirming he has written to request a brief postponement.
UUP Leader Urges Secretary Of State To Push Back Budget Deadline
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has urged the Secretary of State to extend Thursday's deadline for the Northern Ireland Executive to agree a three-year budget, confirming he has written to request a brief postponement.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be a chilly start, but staying mainly dry and bright with some sunny spells. However, there will be isolated light showers. Light north or northwest winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry and often clear this evening and overnight, turning chilly with a touch of frost in places. The odd mist and fog patch also possible. Minimum temperature 0 °C.