Northern Ireland leaders to meet Blair

The joint leaders of Northern Ireland's government are to meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair for talks in Downing Street, …

The joint leaders of Northern Ireland's government are to meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair for talks in Downing Street, it was confirmed tonight.

First Minister Mr David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mr Mark Durkan will hold the first in a series of joint meetings with Mr Blair tomorrow on issues affecting the Northern Ireland government.

A spokesman confirmed the Ulster Unionist leader and the nationalist SDLP leader were expecting a "range of issues to be discussed" with the Prime Minister.

"It will be the first joint meeting planned with the Prime Minister since their recent election to office," he confirmed.

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"A range of issues relating to the devolved administration and institutions will be discussed at the meeting, which it is anticipated will be the first in a series of meetings between Mr Trimble, Mr Durkan and the Prime Minister."

It also emerged tonight that Sinn Féin president Mr Gerry Adams and party colleague Mr Martin McGuinness have also arranged a meeting with Mr Blair tomorrow.

A Sinn Féin spokesman said they were expected to raise the issue of security force collusion with loyalist paramilitaries at the meeting.

PA