Peter Hain welcomes 'encouraging signals' from DUP

11/09/2006 - 11:27:38
Northern Secretary Peter Hain has expressed optimism about the prospects of a deal to restore power-sharing in the North.

Mr Hain was speaking after talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern in Dundalk today to discuss the latest developments in the peace process.

The Irish and British governments have given the DUP and Sinn Féin until November 24 to reach agreement on restoring devolution.

However, the DUP is still refusing point-blank to enter any power-sharing arrangement with republicans.

Despite this, Mr Hain said today that he saw encouraging signals coming from the DUP over the summer and "that bodes well for the future".