Hain is to address policing issue

Policing is to be discussed at the assembly

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain is to address members of the policing and justice committee at Stormont.

Mr Hain's talks with the cross-party committee come as the government attempts to break the deadlock over power-sharing and policing.

Mr Hain will be questioned by assembly members on his proposals for a new justice department by March 2008.

Sinn Fein is also meeting to review the situation. Sorting out policing is critical to restoring devolution.

BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent Martina Purdy said: "If Sinn Fein fails to hold an special party conference on the issue by the end of the month, there is little prospect of an assembly election followed by power-sharing in March.

"Sinn Fein is unhappy with the DUP's response to its offer to hold the conference which could see the party signed up to policing.

"With the ard fheis now in doubt, the Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams will meet his party's officer board in Dublin this morning to discuss the situation, and the attempts by the prime minister to resolve the difficulties."

Meanwhile, at Stormont the DUP is expected to seek assurances that the government does not intend to impose ministers on the assembly in the absence of agreement.