Hain to underline deal deadline

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/5386894.stm

Version 0 of 1.

The Northern Ireland Secretary will underline his determination to stick to his November devolution deadline at the Labour Party conference in Manchester.

Peter Hain will also portray the government's new rates and water charges as "fair".

DUP leader Ian Paisley is also in Manchester, in his first visit to a Labour conference.

BBC Northern Ireland political editor Mark Devenport said Mr Hain will admit many deadlines have come and gone.

"But he'll insist that the government will stick to its 24 November date for a deal," he said.

"If the deadline is met he claims permanent peace and democratic politics will be locked in. But if not he warns the opportunity could be lost for many years.

"Mr Hain will also talk about his policies on education and renewable energy.

"He is expected to defend the introduction of water charges and describe the new rates system as a fairer form of local taxation.

"Unusually he will enlist the help of the Shankill Road head teacher Betty Orr who will tell the conference about the reality of life on the ground in Northern Ireland.

"Mrs Orr isn't the only surprise visitor - Ian Paisley is addressing a breakfast meeting attended by Labour politicians - he's likely to underline his party's sceptical view of the chances of a November deal."