Talks on Stormont assembly deadlock under way

Political talks aimed at resolving difficulties among the five parties in the devolved Northern Ireland government are under way at Stormont.

The DUP stayed away from the opening session because of concerns about the role of the Irish government.

However, Secretary of State Theresa Villiers rejected DUP claims the initial round table meeting was a circus.

BBC News NI's Political Editor Mark Devenport reports.