The British Prime Minister Tony Blair is in Northern Ireland to hold a series of talks with all the main political parties in a further attempt to secure a permanent peace in the province.

The discussions are expected to focus on the controversial issue of paramilitaries giving up their weapons.

This has delayed the setting up of an executive to be in charge of a new administration for Northern Ireland affairs, and the establishment of cross-border bodies involving the Irish Republic.

Mr Blair is to address the two houses of the Irish Parliament on Thursday.