The North's political leaders will today hold talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London. First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are expected to hold talks on a series of issues, but the economic downturn is set to be high on the agenda.
The Stormont leaders will meet Mr Brown along with political leaders from Scotland and Wales. The meeting comes amid fears that the regional assemblies will be hit by £5 billion in efficiency savings by Chancellor Alistair Darling.
The North's leaders have said they were promised financial support from London to help the Stormont regime bed down.
In 2007 the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein agreed to enter a power-sharing government. But assurances were sought from the Government that the fledgling Assembly would be set on a secure financial footing.
Last week the Finance Minister Nigel Dodds warned that the proposed cuts could hit the Stormont coffers. It is estimated Northern Ireland could suffer between £140 million to £200 million in losses if the cuts are implemented.
Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness have said they will press the Prime Minister to fulfill pledges to support Northern Ireland.
The DUP and Sinn Fein recently agreed to devolve policing and justice powers from Westminster, a move that will eventually add to Stormont’s financial burden.
PA