SF and DUP reach deal on Stormont nominations
A potential crisis in the North's power-sharing Executive has been averted following an agreement between Sinn Féin and the DUP over the nomination of Peter Robinson as First Minister.
Sinn Féin had threatened not to nominate a Deputy First Minister during today's Assembly business because of the delay in the devolution of policing and justice powers.
Those powers were due to be transferred to Stormont in May, but the DUP blocked the move, saying it needed more time to assess the IRA's future intentions.
The dispute had raised the prospect of fresh elections in the North, but the two sides reached a deal last night to resolve their differences.
That means Mr Robinson will be nominated as First Minister today, while Martin McGuinness will be put forward again as Deputy First Minister.
