The SDLP has described the failure to re-elect Mr David Trimble as First Minister as "regrettable", while Sinn FΘin has called for fresh Assembly elections.
Describing the mood at Stormont as one of "frustration", the SDLP's chairman, Mr Alex Attwood, said "harsh judgments" would be made on those who had allowed the situation to arise.
As to the redesignation of the Women's Coalition in its failed attempt to save Mr Trimble, one could look at the issue in merely technical or in political and community terms. "This is not a time to rush to judgment, but to consider all the options and develop a political strategy to solve a political crisis", he added.
Sinn FΘin's chief negotiator, Mr Martin McGuinness, said it was now "incumbent on the British government to give the electorate their say".
"[The electorate] should not be despondent, because here in this Assembly a vast majority of the Assembly members made up of the Ulster Unionist Party, the SDLP, Sinn FΘin, the Women's Coalition, the PUP and the Alliance Party are rock-solid behind change and forward movement.
"The forces against us are a minority who are led by Ian Paisley, Robert McCartney, Cedric Wilson and others, and I think if we keep our nerve, if we continue to work at this, if we stay solid, if we stay together, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the forces for change, the forces for good, the forces for the Good Friday agreement can overcome all of those who would wish to drag us back to the bad old days", Mr McGuinness added.