Paisley and Adams on the brink of the deal to end all deals?

"Old enemies in Northern Ireland were edging towards a deal last night that could break the year-long stalemate in the peace process and pave the way for a lasting settlement.

"Months of poring over scores of differences have brought the two sides --­ the republican movement led by Gerry Adams and the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists --­ within sight of a deal that a year ago seemed impossible ...

"Any political agreement will have to be festooned with safeguards, assurances and guarantees to make up for the almost complete lack of trust between the two sides. All negotiations between them, in fact, are being conducted at one remove since the DUP will not speak to Sinn Féin directly."

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