The government is today expected to confirm that fresh elections to the devolved assembly in Northern Ireland will take place on November 26.

The move comes after Ulster Unionists and Sinn Fein brokered a deal following weeks of intense negotiations.

Tony Blair is expected to travel to Belfast today where he will be joined by Irish premier Bertie Ahern.

The visit comes as the IRA prepares to confirm that it has carried out a "significant" act of decommissioning and renounced violence for good.