Paisley warning over peace cash

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6627035.stm

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Gordon Brown is not treating the NI parties' demand for a peace dividend seriously enough, Ian Paisley has said.

The DUP leader is due to take a pledge of office as Stormont's first minister on 8 May. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness will be deputy first minister.

Earlier this week, the two met Mr Brown to discuss the financial package.

However, Mr Paisley said he was disappointed with the negotiations and that Mr Brown should not take the local parties for granted.

"We shouldn't have been put into this position," he said.

"All we have to say.. is have your little pantomime on Tuesday, but we'll not be there.

"I want them to get that message. I want them to get the message that this is so serious that we can't possibly do justice to our country if we don't get this."

He said further talks were planned with the chancellor.

Devolution is due to return to Northern Ireland next Tuesday, following an agreement by the DUP and Sinn Fein to share power.

Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern will be present to witness the restoration of the executive.