British Prime Minister Tony Blair is to hold talks with the Sinn Féin leadership on Friday, just days before crucial talks on devolution for Northern Ireland, it emerged today.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, chief negotiator Martin McGuinness and Party chairperson Mary Lou McDonald will meet Mr Blair at Chequers.
Both sides are also due to take part in talks in St Andrews, Scotland, next Wednesday involving other Northern Ireland parties and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern's government.
Devolution collapsed in Northern Ireland almost four years ago.
Mr Blair and Mr Ahern hope they can secure an agreement involving the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist and Sinn Féin that will see them form a power-sharing government at Stormont before November 24th.
However, they have significant obstacles to overcome.
Mr Paisley's DUP wants assurances that the IRA has truly given up all criminal and paramilitary activity and they also want Sinn Féin to publicly endorse the Police service of Northern Ireland before a power-sharing administration is formed.
Sinn Féin has insisted it will resolve the policing issue once a power-sharing government is established.
This Friday's talks between Sinn Féin and Mr Blair will come two days after a report by ceasefire watchdog the Independent Monitoring Commission.