Robinson's No 10 Policing Talks Deferred

Scheduled talks between First Minister Peter Robinson and Prime Minister Gordon Brown (pictured) were deferred today, amid mounting speculation policing and justice powers could be devolved to Stormont within weeks.

Instead Mr Robinson will have a telephone conversation with Mr Brown.

Discussion had originally been tabled for yesterday, however there was confusion when only Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness arrived at 10 Downing Street.

DUP officials later pointed out that Mr Robinson had been unable to attend due to a formal handover of Ministerial Office taking place in the Assembly Speaker's Office.

Following yesterday's meeting, Mr McGuinness said he believed problems surrounding the devolution of powers could be overcome within weeks, adding he was confident that funding could be sought to finance the new department.

It was the second time Minister McGuinness had met with Mr Brown in as many weeks.

He called on the Prime Minister to accept liability on a range of issues including earning loss claims for security force personnel and equal pay matters.

Downing Street officials described the talks as a "routine, stock-taking" session.

Mr Robinson's scheduled meeting at Number 10 was expected to touch on a range of security concerns, including the decision to axe police full time reserves, a decision the First Minister says should rest with the next PSNI Chief Constable.

He said the extra officers are need to tackle dissident republican elements operating in border areas.

Mr Robinson has also expressed support for the continued issuing of personal protection weapons for former security force workers.

New government legislation will be necessary before any move on police and justice devolution is made, a component the all-party Assembly and Executive Review Committee calls the "final piece of the devolution jigsaw".

The Executive will also have to nominate a minister which has cross-party support. Both Sinn Fein and the DUP have ruled themselves out of holding the post.

It is widely expected the Alliance Party will take the portfolio, however, under the terms of the St Andrews Agreement, the party does not hold enough Assembly seats to merit an Executive position, as part of the mandatory coalition.

Steps will also have to be taken to amend this obstacle.

(PR/BMcc)