Joint Statement by Gordon Brown and Brian Cowen following their meeting in 10 Downing Street, (14 January 2010)

Joint Statement by Gordon Brown, then British Prime Minister, and Brian Cowen, then Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister), following their meeting in 10 Downing Street, London, (14 January 2010)

"When we met on December 17th, we said that we believed that the early completion of the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly was both realistic and achievable and that any outstanding issues were capable of resolution by the parties.

Despite the turbulent events of recent days, we remain firmly of that view.

We welcome the engagement that is taking place between parties and are available, if required, to help bring these discussions to a successful conclusion.

The completion of the devolution of policing and justice powers will play a vital role in ensuring the stability of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, underpinning the hard won progress that has been achieved over the last number of years. Recent acts of decommissioning, most recently by the UDA last week, reminds us all of the great benefits that the peace process can bring.

Equally, the evil attack on PSNI Constable Peadar Heffron last Friday is a stark reminder that there remain those whose aim is to destroy all that has been achieved.

The best response to give to such people is completing the devolution of policing and justice powers, securing the stability of the devolved institutions and showing that the democratic political institutions are delivering for all of the people of Northern Ireland.

The Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements remain the templates for progress in Northern Ireland and we are determined to see them upheld and implemented.

Both Governments will continue to encourage, and work with, the parties to bring the outstanding issues to a successful and early resolution.

We will remain in close touch in the coming days and will be available to further engage as required."