Former US Senator Gary Hart is stepping in to help politicians in Northern Ireland make progress over long-running rows.

Senator Hart says he will 'listen closely' and says institutions there are facing major challenges.

Politicians are meeting to try to find a resolution to the rows over welfare reform, the new speaker of the assembly and issues from failed Richard Haass brokered talks last year.

The UK Secretary of State to Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers is welcoming the involvement of the American government.

But she says it is up to the North's politicians to find solutions.