The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin have resumed talks at Stormont Castle today after progress yesterday in the attempt to break the policing and justice deadlock.
DUP leader Peter Robinson this morning briefed the party on the talks being held on the future of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The unionist party’s Assembly group was called to Stormont for an update on progress in the closely guarded negotiations with Sinn Féin on the devolution of policing and justice powers.
Elsewhere, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams today said the talks were "a work in progress," adding his party would meet the DUP again tomorrow. “Obviously tomorrow will give all of us an opportunity to reflect on the discussions," he said.
“Earlier in the week I outlined my view that we were into serious talks and that they were focused. I said at that time we were not going to be making any further comment on either the quality or the complexion, the atmosphere or indeed the detail of what is going on. People know the issues; they know the broad times frames, that is in the public domain also," he said.
“So, really our focus has to be to make this work, and it is my view that it can be made to work within the context of the Good Friday and St. Andrew’s Agreement."
Mr Adams added the party was in touch with its ardchomhairle members, and would hold an Assembly group meeting on Monday.
When asked if he felt under pressure over the situation around his brother Liam - against whom allegations of sexual abuse have been made - Mr Adams said: “There obviously is a lot of personal pressures but I don’t feel under pressure, in terms of political pressure. Clearly the issue is being used by very hostile elements in sections of the media and by some of my political opponents who seek to undermine me."
He criticised the "innuendo and unsubstantiated allegations" he said were being made "with no concern whatsoever" for those in his wider family who were trying to cope with the trauma.
The talks led by Mr Robinson and Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness broke up after 6pm yesterday, with both sides returning to Stormont today. If there is no agreement it is unlikely there will be negotiations tomorrow as many DUP politicians insist on observing their Sundays off.
Amid mounting speculation that agreement could be reached on the vexed issue, averting a collapse in the power-sharing government, the man tipped to be the future justice minister under the plan said the result of the talks will define politics in the region for years to come.
Alliance party leader David Ford said an agreement on the transfer of law and order responsibilities from Westminster would bring much needed stability to the power-sharing institutions and the country as a whole.
Mr Ford, whose party is seen as the only grouping that could command cross-community support, stressed the importance of achieving a deal as Sinn Féin and the DUP continue marathon negotiations inside Stormont Castle.
The two main parties were locked in exchanges throughout the week, sparking speculation that a breakthrough is imminent.
“Talks are at an extremely important stage and I believe that the coming days will define politics in Northern Ireland for years to come,” said Mr Ford. “It looks as if the DUP and Sinn Féin are finally engaging seriously on some of the crucial issues that have divided them and blocked progress.
On Thursday night, the under pressure DUP leader Peter Robinson rejoined the talks, which are aimed at resolving outstanding issues that have delayed devolution, such as how contentious Orange parades are managed.
Additional reporting PA