David Cameron and Enda Kenny attending Stormont talks (Pic Pacemaker)
UK PM David Cameron and Irish PM Enda Kenny have arrived in Belfast to seek an agreement between parties at Stormont.
Cameron stated that while huge progress has been made in Northern Ireland in recent years, he thinks "everyone in Northern Ireland wants the same thing; an economy that grows; politics that work and a society that gets stronger.
He added: "The people outside that room - they are the people who matter and they want to see their politicians deliver.
"I hope agreement can be reached and that is why I am here today."
In a piece in Thursday's Belfast Telegraph, David Cameron wrote: "This week I am in Northern Ireland to participate directly in the cross-party talks that are now in their ninth week at Stormont.
"These talks have reached a crucial phase. As prime minister I am determined to do everything I can to help resolve outstanding issues and secure agreement across a range of vitally important issues.
"I know that An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, fully shares that strong commitment.
"That is why the UK government, along with our very close colleagues in the Irish government, will be pushing hard to bring these discussions to a successful conclusion this week. I am confident, too, that Northern Ireland's political leaders share a genuine desire to reach an agreement."
Stormont parties hoped for a multi-million pound Peace Investment Fund to be set up in order to bolster the Northern Ireland economy, but Secretary of State Theresa Villiers said: "These issues are causing real tension and hindering the effectiveness of the devolved executive.
"But the solution to the problems of Northern Ireland cannot be a big cheque from the Exchequer.
"That money is not there."