In a move that may raise questions for those who believe, on secular and religious grounds, in a clear distinction between religion and the state, Christian ministers in Northern Ireland are accompanying police patrols in tough areas.

The Irish and the South Africans have experiences of violence, reconciliation, forgiveness and the healing of memories which they can learn from together, an ecumenical seminar in Dublin has heard.

Sinn Fein and the DUP have reached an historic deal that will see the two parties sharing power in six weeks' time.