The Stormont Executive may not meet before the end of this year, according to Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey.
According to the BBC, Sir Reg, speaking during an interview for Inside Politics, said: "I understand talks will be taking place between the DUP and SF to see if they can find a way forward.
"I hope they succeed but I am not particularly optimistic and I fear if it does not succeed, there may not be an executive for the rest of this year."
The executive has not met since June, and while another meeting of the body is due on Thursday, the dispute between the DUP and Sinn Féin is continuing.
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The two parties have been unable to agree on the transferring of policing and justice powers from Westminster.