The DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, and Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness appear to be facing into an agreement which could see them jointly lead a new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland by next March.
That was the prospect raised last night after a dramatic conclusion to "hothouse" negotiations here that saw British prime minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern publish their own proposals for the final resolution of the policing issue.
Sinn Féin and the DUP have until November 11th to confirm acceptance or rejection of the St Andrews agreement unveiled by Mr Blair and Mr Ahern yesterday. If they accept the document, which says endorsement of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is an "essential element" of support for law and order, Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness would be nominated as First and Deputy First Minister-designate on November 24th.
Following a report by the Independent Monitoring Commission, the proposed deal would be subject to "endorsement by the electorate" in either election or referendum form in March. Party leaders would then nominate ministers on March 14th, with the new Executive scheduled to "go live" on March 26th.
While sharing a rising optimism about a possible political breakthrough, senior SDLP sources last night expressed caution - fearing that the principal parties "always like to buy time" - and observing that the precise timetable for dealing with the policing issue is not spelt out in any public document.
The governments and party sources appear satisfied that a Sinn Féin ardfheis to address the policing issue would be organised relatively speedily. Mr Adams said an ardcomhairle meeting would be held "soon", when it is expected a date for the ardfheis would be decided upon.
Sources said the ardfheis was unlikely to happen until after the agreement deadline of November 24th.
"We are working on the understanding that it will happen after that date but before the end of the calendar year," said one source.
Convincing the Sinn Féin grassroots to endorse the PSNI will be a challenge for the Sinn Féin leadership, although the governments believe that the prospect of fully-restored devolution with Mr McGuinness as Deputy First Minister, allied to the persuasive strength of the Adams/McGuinness leadership, should carry the Sinn Féin conference.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan and Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey expressed concern about "side deals" reached between the two governments and the DUP and Sinn Féin during the talks.
The Irish Times has confirmed that both parties have endorsed a new oath of office - which Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness would apparently have to swear before the Stormont Assembly on accepting nomination to their posts - explicitly endorsing the PSNI, the Northern Ireland courts and the rule of law.
Sources also confirmed last night that the Tánaiste, Michael McDowell, played a key role in helping persuade Dr Paisley to accept nomination to the "shadow" role as a means of reassuring Sinn Féin that he was serious about powersharing. Sources also confirmed that Dr Paisley led the DUP negotiation throughout, with his son Ian Paisley jnr the main go-between with Mr Blair's office through much of yesterday.
Dr Paisley made it clear yesterday that he had given no commitment to any timetable for the transfer of powers.
In striking language, however, the DUP leader said that the DUP would meet its requirements, provided "IRA/Sinn Féin met theirs". Then, he said, they would be on the way to a proper peace "and a better life for every child in Northern Ireland".