Northern #Ireland talks: Villiers hopeful of 11th hour deal The Northern Ireland secretary has said she believes a deal is still possible in the cross-party talks, as the negotiations enter a final day. Theresa Villiers has hosted 11 weeks of talks in Belfast on flags, parades, the legacy of the Troubles and welfare. The parties are considering Downing Streets response to their request for additional funds. Northern Irelands five executive parties have asked for about £2bn in loans and cash over a 10-year period. Ms Villiers said the response was positive and generous, but also reflected the UKs extremely difficult fiscal situation. She said Downing Streets financial offer also had to be fair to all parts of the United Kingdom. The talks are expected to end on Monday, with or without a deal. The secretary of state told reporters that the negotiators could be heading into a very long day at Stormont House. There is still an opportunity here to be grasped. It is very much the 11th hour now but its not too late, we can potentially still do this. However, she added: I think everyone accepts that we cant go on with this process indefinitely. Ms Villiers said if there was no agreement on Monday, There isnt going to be one, and the process ends in failure. Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said: The final day of talks will build on the significant progress made last week, with a view to achieving agreement before Christmas. Sinn Féins Conor Murphy said progress had been made and that the party had been in contact with David Cameron over the weekend. Mr Murphy said he and party colleague Martin McGuinness received the latest paper at noon. The devil is in the detail, we have taken the paper away to study it, he said. There are gaps to be closed, there is a sense between the parties and governments that that work needs to be done today. The five parties are determined to secure the best financial package available. Comprehensive agreement The Northern Ireland first minister and deputy first minister held a conference call with the prime minister at the weekend. First Minister Peter Robinson said the call on Saturday focused on the cross-party talks and financial issues contained in the paper given to Mr Cameron. Mr Robinson said he welcomed the prime ministers engagement in these financial issues this weekend and looked forward to further discussions on Monday. Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the proposals on public finances required additional financial support and a commitment from the British government to deal with outstanding issues from the Good Friday and other agreements. A comprehensive agreement between the governments and the parties is what is required, he said. BBC NEWS REPORT
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 13:54:03 +0000