There is no longer any question that the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party will make a deal to restore devolution in Northern Ireland - only a question of when they will do it, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said tonight.
On the eve of three days of crucial talks between the political parties and the British and Irish governments at St Andrews in Scotland, Mr Adams said he did not know whether Mr Paisley was up for doing a deal to restore devolution in the coming days or before the deadline of November 24th.
But in a keynote address to the party faithful at a Belfast hotel, he said: "I do know that the question is no longer about whether the DUP will do a deal, the question is about when the DUP will do a deal."
There was much scepticism, he said, about whether Mr Paisley was up for a deal in the coming week, or at any time. The scepticism was justified given the veteran politician's role over 40 years, but it missed the point, he said. The advance out of a one party unionist state had not been stopped and progress would continue.
Sinn Fein's responsibility was to plot a course - to build a bridge out of the current situation into a new and agreed Ireland.
"Our responsibility therefore is to do a deal with Ian Paisley, if he can be brought to that point, and if he cannot then the process continues without him."
Over the past year republicans had taken huge risks for peace, he said and the IRA had delivered on an end to their armed campaign and on the issue of arms - they had honoured their word, said Mr Adams.
"The time of reckoning has now come for the DUP. it will soon become clear if they are prepared to work with all the other parties. If they are the time for action is now," he added.
Things had changed forever and unionism had been brought to a crossroads. "The preferred way forward is for all the political parties to work together through the Assembly, the Executive and the other political institutions to deliver for the people we represent.
"If that is not possible at this time then the change will have to be delivered through advanced political arrangements between the Irish and British Governments," he said.
There was one certainty. regardless of what happened tomorrow or on November 24th, the process of change would continue, said the West Belfast MP.
Key to DUP demands before it will enter government with Sinn Fein is their backing for the Police Service in Northern Ireland.
Mr Adams said republicans were for policing and for the rule of law and a fair and equitable policing and justice system that was transparent and accountable.
But keeping people guessing on whether republicans were finally prepared to endorse the PSNI, he said: "Our support for policing and law and order is not a response to Unionist demands. Neither is it a tradable commodity to be retained or given away as part of a deal."
Sinn Fein's focus on policing was about "depoliticising the police force and changing it from an armed wing of the state to a service for the people," he added.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will chair the intensive talks - Mr Blair flying north after Prime Ministers Questions.
Mr Ahern told the Irish Government today conditions have never been more favourable for a power-sharing deal.
Briefing the Cabinet at its weekly meeting, he said all parties must grasp the opportunity as it may not come around for some time again.
"This will be an extremely important week for the future of Northern Ireland," he told his ministers.
"The conditions for a final deal have never been more favourable. The mood on the ground in Northern Ireland is also very good."
But Mr Ahern's upbeat mood on the prospects of a deal were not reflected by the DUP. MEP Jim Allister told party members the DUP would not buckle under pressure at the talks and insisted they were not interested in devolution for the sake of devolution.
Sinn Fein support for policing was essential and support would have to be tested over a lengthy period, he said.
Mr Allister said any devolution deal had to be durable, democratic and the exclusive domain of demonstrably committed democrats.
"So it is not just a matter of Sinn Fein espousing policing - on that issue there has to be proven change which will demonstrate itself over a protracted period - well beyond November 24th - in the form of active encouragement to help the police, leading to convictions in the courts," he stressed.
Allowing witnesses to speak so the IRA killers of Robert McCartney could be brought to justice would be a good start, he suggested.
However much more would be required. "The inextricable link to criminality has to be broken and only time will prove that. "No one can be in government with an illegal 'army' at its beck and call," said Mr Allister.
PA