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Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson pledged today to intensify talks with Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness to ensure the transfer of policing powers to the Stormont government.

His comments came as his Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin were deadlocked over a range of issues including the devolution of policing and justice control to the power-sharing administration.

Mr Robinson’s election as First Minister earlier this month was almost derailed when it was feared republicans would refuse to put forward Mr McGuinness as Deputy First Minister in protest over the DUP blocking of republican policies.

Speaking at a major legal conference in Belfast, Mr Robinson gave the first indication of the direction talks between the parties were taking.

“It is a matter of public record that in recent weeks I have discussed these important matters with the Deputy First Minister at some length and I also met and indicated to other party leaders that I want to examine these issues with them as well,” said Mr Robinson.

“I expect I need hardly say that agreement on a way forward has not yet been reached but, for myself, while I cannot be certain, I am not gloomy about the prospects of reaching an agreement which could command the confidence of everyone.

“I am committed and willing to intensify discussions with the Deputy First Minister and others in the period ahead to test the possibilities.

“I will not attempt to characterise anyone else’s position but I can say that there is a growing understanding of all the concerns that attend this debate, including those I have articulated, and a serious engagement is under way on how to resolve those concerns."