Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble and Sinn Féin president Mr Gerry Adams are expected to meet in Belfast today for arguably their most important face-to-face meeting in the current efforts to revive the Stormont Assembly.
Speculation is hardening that the British government may announce plans next week for a November or December Assembly election.
If an Assembly election takes place before Christmas, insiders believe the most likely date would be November 13th, which would mean that the British government would have to declare it before Thursday.
Two other dates have also been considered - November 27th and December 4th.
Participants in the negotiations were also placing great emphasis on a proposed photocall tomorrow involving members of a new monitoring body which would scrutinise paramilitary cease-fires in Northern Ireland and the implementation of the Belfast Agreement.
With the head of the Independent International Commission on decommissioning, General John de Chastelain also in Belfast, a source said: "All the various elements appear to be there for some choreography in the run up to an election.
"We still have to see if all the moves fall into place."
PA