The British Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to meet Northern Ireland's party leaders in a bid to help end the deadlock in the political process, it was announced today.
His official spokesman said Mr Blair was expected to hold talks with key figures in London before Christmas. No date has yet been set for the talks but they are likely to take place in London rather than Ulster.
"We would expect him to meet some of the party leaders before Christmas, but it won't be this week," the spokesman said. Talks between London and Dublin and the parties are set to intensify amid efforts to break the political impasse.
Despite the emergence of the anti-Agreement Democratic Unionists as the largest party, Mr Blair has said the majority of people wanted to see self government restored to the Province.
"It is a more difficult situation, yes. But it is one that we will have to manage and we are used to managing difficult situations in Northern Ireland," he said.
"What is interesting to me is that there is no sense that the political situation which needs resolving is going to lead to a security crisis," he said.
PA