London Policing Talks To Focus On Funding

Financing a devolved policing and justice department is expected to be the centrepiece of talks between First Minister Peter Robinson and Prime Minister Gordon Brown later today.

Mr Robinson will meet the PM in London amid mounting speculation that powers will be transferred to Stormont soon.

However, the First Minister has made it clear that a funding framework must be agreed before any further progress is made.

He will ask Mr Brown to outline the provision of money that will be delivered to the Assembly, allowing it to administer local policing and justice.

Both men were due to hold talks last week, however discussions eventually took place during a telephone conversation.

Stormont sources are said to be hopeful an agreement can be reached before autumn.

Mr Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are due to hold joint talks with Mr Brown again later this month.

The issue of devolved policing and justice powers has proved one of the most contentious stumbling-blocks for the local Executive.

When the devolved institutions were established two years ago, the DUP made it clear a local security or judicial minister would not be appointed until it had the full support of the Unionist community.

Sinn Fein urged progress on the matter, stalling a succession of Executive meetings last year in protests - a move that threatened to destabilise the entire government.

Since then, the two top parties have agreed that neither will put forward a candidate to hold the ministerial portfolio.

Cross-party support will be sought on the new Executive post, indicating that Alliance may take the seat.

However, under the current terms of the St Andrew's agreement, the cross-community party does not have enough Assembly members to merit a cabinet position.

Amendments to the original agreement will be necessary before a policing and justice minister can be appointed.

(PR/JM)