A senior Government minister today expected the Rev Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness to be appointed Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers next month.
Following doubts from the Democratic Unionists that the St Andrews Agreement's November 24 deadline for the appointment of First and Deputy First Ministers would be met, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said he was still optimistic the province was on course for devolution next March.
As Northern Ireland's political leaders also prepared to discuss with Chancellor Gordon Brown on Wednesday a multi-billion package to bolster a new power-sharing executive, Mr Hain stressed the importance of them presenting a united front at the meeting in London.
The Northern Ireland Secretary said: "We obviously have a number of difficult details to work through between now and November 10 when the parties have to indicate whether they accept the St Andrews Agreement or not.
"We are all still in the business of trying to meet deadlines and secure the restoration of devolved government by March 26.
"I remain optimistic because I think nobody wants the Assembly to dissolve. Nobody wants us to move to Plan B because Plan B is going to be 100 miles worse than Plan A.
"I believe the momentum is still there for devolution on March 26 and I expect the appointment of First and Deputy First Ministers on November 24.
"There are a number of fixed deadlines in the St Andrews process. People need to make their minds up because I am due to present legislation on November 21. I will not introduce it unless it is clear we have gone a long way forward.
"That means people signing up to the twin pillars of support for policing and the rule of law and for power sharing with each other."
The Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists and Sinn Féin have in recent days been consulting their members about whether they should agree to implement the St Andrews Agreement or not.
If they decide by the British and Irish Government's November 10 deadline to commit themselves to the deal, Sinn Féin will have to call a special party conference to change its policy on policing.
PA