Leaders of devolved governments to meet

(PA)

First Minister Alex Salmond will meet with his counterparts from Northern Ireland and Wales later today.

The meeting, to be held in Edinburgh at Mr Salmond's official residence, is the first time the heads of devolved government of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have gathered since receiving renewed mandates following the recent elections.

Mr Salmond will host the meeting with Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and it will be attended by Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones.

The three devolved governments will discuss their shared agenda.

It is likely corporation tax will be discussed, with Mr Salmond currently pursuing the control of the levy as part of the Scotland Bill. A House of Commons report has already signalled support for the devolution of the tax in Northern Ireland.

Mr Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, returned as First Minister of the Northern Ireland Assembly following elections in May, while Sinn Fein's Mr McGuinness, resumed the post of Deputy First Minister in the power-sharing government.

Mr Jones also returned to lead the newly elected Welsh Assembly, where Labour holds 30 of the 60 seats following elections earlier this month.