A new round of talks aimed at restoring devolution began at Stormont yesterday, reports Dan Keenan, They were hosted by a junior Northern Ireland minister, Mr Des Browne, and the junior minister at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr Tom Kitt.
Parties taking part included Sinn Féin, Mr David Ervine's Progressive Unionists, the SDLP and Mr Robert McCartney's UK Unionists.
Other meetings with the UP and others are scheduled later this week. Following his party's meeting Sinn Féin's chief negotiator, Mr Martin McGuinness, said implementation of outstanding elements of the Belfast Agreement, the transfer of justice powers and swift demilitarisation was essential.