Politicians urge for calm as policing talks continue
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward
Politicians trying to secure a deal on devolving policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly urged public figures to be careful not to derail the efforts today.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is in talks with republicans who are demanding a swift transfer of the law and order powers.
With speculation that a deal could be possible, rival politicians and Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward, have been warned to avoid comments that might make agreement more difficult.
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.
There are claims the party, which had previously said it would not be rushed by republican pressure for agreement, is now focused on securing a deal with Sinn Féin to avoid a collapse of the Assembly and the threat of a snap election.
But with the Irish and British governments due to meet in London tomorrow to discuss political progress, Mr Woodward said: "It's a very important time for all unionists to realise that now is the time to complete devolution.
"There is an urgency which is why this needs to be addressed in these coming days and weeks."
The Secretary of State said final agreement was a matter for the North's parties.
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