Cowen in London to discuss North
Taoiseach Brian Cowen is to meet British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London today amid mounting hopes that the North's main political parties are edging toward a deal on devolving policing powers.
Back at Stormont, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin will resume intensive negotiations aimed at securing a breakthrough to a dispute that has threatened the stability of the powersharing administration.
While both parties have described the closely guarded exchanges as positive, the prospect of outright collapse still looms over the fragile institutions at Parliament Buildings.
Last night it emerged that a potential compromise deal on contentious loyal order parades could hold the key to securing agreement.
The DUP demanded changes to how the summer events are overseen as part of a final agreement.
But while the DUP and Sinn Féin had been at loggerheads over the issue, it is understood a deal could be struck which may unlock a wider breakthrough.
The DUP's under-pressure leader Peter Robinson has stepped down temporarily as First Minister over the scandal surrounding his wife Iris, who was revealed as having lobbied property developers for cash to set up a business for her teenage lover.
Yesterday, it was confirmed that Mrs Robinson had resigned as an MP and it is understood her resignation has also been tendered at Stormont.
There are claims the DUP, which had previously said it would not be rushed by republican pressure for agreement on devolving policing and justice powers, is now focused on securing a deal with Sinn Féin to avoid the Assembly falling and the threat of a snap election.
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