Clock ticking as talks begin

BELFAST - The Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain was to hold new talks in Belfast today as a two-week countdown begins to the deadline for restoring power-sharing.

Hain was to meet Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at Stormont in discussions that will undoubtedly cover the burning question of whether Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists are prepared to agree to a coalition government with republicans by March 26. It is believed that Paisley, principal victor in the Assembly elections, is intent on making a historic pact with Sinn Fein.

Politicians and observers expect brinkmanship as the Belfast parties and British and Irish governments hammer out last-minute details.

Although London and Dublin have warned that this is an unbreakable deadline, no one is sure whether Paisley will comply with the timetable.

- INDEPENDENT