McGuinness 'disappointed' over talks
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said he is "deeply disappointed" that a deal has not been reached on the transfer of policing and justice powers.
The Sinn Fin leader made the comment after British prime minister Gordon Brown and Taoiseach Brian Cowan left the talks at Hillborough Castle without managing to break the deadlock.
The two governments have given the parties a further 48 hours to come to an agreement.
If a resolution to the issue is not found in that time, the governments will publish their own proposals.
Mr Brown said he believed there was still a "prospect of a reasonable agreement within two days."
However, Mr McGuinness said unionists must not be allowed to exercise a veto on the rights of citizens.
"I have to say that, despite some progress being made on policing, we have not concluded a deal here today. I am deeply disappointed and I informed the plenary of that; Gerry Adams and myself, in a meeting with the Taoiseach and the British prime minister, did likewise.
"We now intend to study the governments statement, but one thing is certain, that citizens' rights and entitlements cannot and will not be subject to a unionist veto or an Orange Order precondition," he said.
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Weather for Derry
Thursday 09 February 2012
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