Clinton backs justice powers deal

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Mrs Clinton held private talks in Belfast with Mr Robinson and with Sinn Fein, which wants a swift transfer of the powers that would see unionists and republicans share responsibility for Northern Ireland's justice system.

In a carefully worded speech to the power-sharing Assembly, Mrs Clinton said the US did not seek to interfere in its affairs, but she nevertheless urged the parties to move forward in a bid to bolster the peace process.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been involved in intense negotiations to resolve the devolution issue and on Monday handed the DUP and Sinn Fein a document detailing his financial blueprint for the process.

Mrs Clinton effectively threw her weight behind Mr Brown's efforts to secure a deal.

"The Obama administration and the United States is committed to helping you finish your journey," she said in an address to the Assembly. "But when it comes to the important issue of the devolution of policing and justice, that is a decision for this Assembly to take."

But she added: "As a true friend, my hope is that you will achieve what you set out to do, to complete the process of devolution."

Mrs Clinton met First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness for talks at Stormont, meeting the men separately with party delegations before also holding joint discussions.

After addressing the Assembly - where two DUP members left the chamber while other politicians were giving Mrs Clinton a standing ovation - the US politician met business leaders at Queen's University before visiting the city's renovated City Hall.

DUP members Willie McCrea and Gregory Campbell, who have spoken out against a swift devolution of policing and justice powers, left the Assembly while other members were applauding Mrs Clinton, but later said the proceedings were over and they had other business.