Ahern calls on parties to show 'leadership'

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern expressed the hope that leadership would be shown by all parties in the North today. "There is a greater need than ever for leadership on both sides regarding this issue. We hope we will see that tomorrow [ Friday] and in the coming weeks."

If there was failure at any hurdle, they would move to plan B. "However, that is the preferred option of neither government. We want devolved government to be restored to Northern Ireland."

He said that leadership was required on the DUP's part to show that it was prepared to share power with nationalists under the arrangements laid down by the Belfast Agreement.

Equally, movement was needed on Sinn Féin's part on policing.

"We have heard it state time and time again that it is prepared to move on policing, and now we would like to see the colour of its money in that respect."

The Minister was replying to Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh, who asked if Mr Ahern was aware that it was hoped that Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams would nominate Martin McGuinness as deputy first minister of the assembly. "Does he agree that it is important for the DUP to put forward its nominee, Ian Paisley, for the position of first minister in line with proposals outlined in St Andrews?"

There are concerns the DUP may not signal their nominee because of Sinn Féin's position on policing.