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BBC

The government has suggested that a future policing and justice minister should be elected by a cross-community vote in the assembly, it is understood.

The proposal emerged from a week of intensive talks between the Northern Ireland Office, Sinn Fein and the DUP.

The talks were closely monitored by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

It is thought Sinn Fein is now considering the idea, which is a variation on a DUP proposal.

The DUP had proposed a weighted 70% majority vote to choose the minister.

‘Set a date’

BBC Northern Ireland political editor Mark Devenport said: “The method of appointment is considered crucial, as it will influence the DUP’s willingness to agree a timetable for the transfer of policing powers.

“A cross-community vote would almost certainly exclude both Sinn Fein and the DUP from the portfolio which would have to be taken by either the Ulster Unionists, the SDLP or the Alliance.

“Sinn Fein has been under pressure to hold a special executive, or ard comhairle, meeting as early as this weekend to set a date for a special ard fheis, or party conference, on policing.”

It is believed such an ard fheis would have to happen before the end of January to keep the timetable laid out in the St Andrews Agreement on track.

It is thought a government paper on policing and justice includes a suggestion for a senior minister and a junior minister operating within a single department.

Some sources say there may also be a transitional element - the SDLP has suggested that the devolution of some policing powers could happen almost immediately devolution is restored.

Sinn Fein sources say negotiations are still continuing with the government over the future model for a policing ministry.

Meanwhile, DUP North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds has said the May 2008 target date for the transfer of policing and justice powers to Stormont was “entirely one set by government”.

“It has never been agreed by the DUP nor will it be,” he said.

“Such a timetable is a republican demand only. No other party ever made this a precondition for doing the right thing on policing and justice,” he added.

BBC

The government is finalising plans for a new £150m high security prison in Northern Ireland, the BBC has learned.

A number of reports have criticised the facilities at Magilligan

The government is due to make an announcement early next year about its plans for a new prison to replace Magilligan in County Derry.

The preferred option is a new prison with up to 1,000 individual cells to house high risk offenders.

One option is to build the new prison on the site at Magilligan, which has been criticised over conditions.

However, government owned land in Ballymena, Craigavon and near Cookstown is also being considered.

BBC Northern Ireland home affairs correspondent Vincent Kearney said: “A number of reports have criticised the facilities at Magilligan and recommended that its three H blocks are demolished.

“But it isn’t just about conditions.

“The total capacity at the three prisons here is 1,500 - but the number of prisoners is expected to be more than 1,600 within three years.

“Even if the money for the new prison is made available early next year - it could be more than five years before it is ready to open.”