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Prime Ministers 'to clear diaries for NI talks' Prime Ministers 'to clear diaries for NI talks'
(35 minutes later)
The British and Irish prime ministers are to clear their diaries in an attempt to broker a solution to divisive problems in Northern Ireland.The British and Irish prime ministers are to clear their diaries in an attempt to broker a solution to divisive problems in Northern Ireland.
"I expect the British prime minister and taoiseach will have their diaries cleared towards the end of next week," the Irish foreign minister said. Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "I expect to be back here in Northern Ireland next week with the prime minister .
Charlie Flanagan was speaking at a news conference in Armagh.
The talks concern disputes on flags, parades, the legacy of the Troubles and welfare reform.The talks concern disputes on flags, parades, the legacy of the Troubles and welfare reform.
Mr Flanagan was speaking following the North South Ministerial Council conference on Friday. First Minister Peter Robinson said the Northern Ireland talks were about to become more intense."
He said the next week would be a "crucial" one for the talks. Mr Kenny said: "Hopefully, the possibilities that are now on the table can be moved forward to an acceptable conclusion."
The political leaders were speaking following the North South Ministerial Council conference on Friday.
Irish foreign minister Charlie Flanagan said the next week would be a "crucial" one for the talks.
"I believe it is incumbent on everybody to ensure that, in rugby parlance, we bring matters over the line," he said."I believe it is incumbent on everybody to ensure that, in rugby parlance, we bring matters over the line," he said.
First Minister Peter Robinson said: "It is necessary to intensify the talks process to a level that has not yet occurred. Mr Robinson said: "It is necessary to intensify the talks process to a level that has not yet occurred.
"I have asked my officials to clear my diary over the next 10 days."I have asked my officials to clear my diary over the next 10 days.
"If we have not broken the back of the process then, I believe it will be very difficult to do so before Christmas. If it is not done before Christmas, it will not be done before the UK general election.""If we have not broken the back of the process then, I believe it will be very difficult to do so before Christmas. If it is not done before Christmas, it will not be done before the UK general election."
Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said: "We should not let this chance slip through our fingers.Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said: "We should not let this chance slip through our fingers.
"Over the past week there has been encouraging input by all participants, but there still remains much to be done. "Over the past week, there has been encouraging input by all participants, but there still remains much to be done.
"I recognise that we are working through some extremely sensitive issues, but it is imperative that all the parties continue to engage positively in the interests of bringing about stable and effective government for all in Northern Ireland.""I recognise that we are working through some extremely sensitive issues, but it is imperative that all the parties continue to engage positively in the interests of bringing about stable and effective government for all in Northern Ireland."
'Progress made''Progress made'
Mr Flanagan said that a significant degree of progress had been made in the talks over a wide range of issues, including the immediate problem of whether to implement welfare cuts handed down from Westminster.Mr Flanagan said that a significant degree of progress had been made in the talks over a wide range of issues, including the immediate problem of whether to implement welfare cuts handed down from Westminster.
Unlike the rest of the UK, reductions to the welfare budget have not been implemented in Northern Ireland.Unlike the rest of the UK, reductions to the welfare budget have not been implemented in Northern Ireland.
Sinn Féin remains resolutely opposed to introducing the cuts, while the DUP maintains that the consequent reduction in Northern Ireland's block grant means that there is no choice. The shortfall is estimated at £200m.Sinn Féin remains resolutely opposed to introducing the cuts, while the DUP maintains that the consequent reduction in Northern Ireland's block grant means that there is no choice. The shortfall is estimated at £200m.
On Thursday, Mr Robinson warned that the devolved assembly could fall if the current talks process ends without agreement.On Thursday, Mr Robinson warned that the devolved assembly could fall if the current talks process ends without agreement.
A previous effort to find new mechanisms to deal with the flying of flags, parades, and the legacy of the conflict ended without agreement last Christmas.A previous effort to find new mechanisms to deal with the flying of flags, parades, and the legacy of the conflict ended without agreement last Christmas.
Sinn Féin has tabled a paper calling for a Peace Investment Fund to be created.Sinn Féin has tabled a paper calling for a Peace Investment Fund to be created.
Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has suggested that contributions could be requested from UK, Ireland, the European Union and the USA.Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has suggested that contributions could be requested from UK, Ireland, the European Union and the USA.