Ian Paisley has confirmed his readiness to govern Northern Ireland in partnership Sinn Fein if they renounce violence.

Speaking in Downing Street after a meeting with Tony Blair, the Democratic Unionist leader added that he will not compromise on the need for public proof of the IRA's disarmament.

The prime minister and his Irish counterpart, Bertie Ahern, are expected to fly to Belfast tomorrow, hopng to clinch an agreement.

Last night at a Sinn Féin meeting, the party's president, Gerry Adams, supported the package as now presented by the two governments.