Significant doubts remain over the restoration of powers to Stormont by the British and Irish governments' deadline of March 26th.
This is despite a "positive" meeting held by the DUP yesterday designed to steady the party after differences over sharing power with Sinn Féin emerged this past week, and Sinn Féin support for the governments' timetable.
Republicans signalled yesterday they will stick to the governments' timetable and participate fully in the "transitional assembly" that sits until dissolution in January, when campaigning for the March election formally begins.
Anxious not to be seen to be "jumping first" by nodding assent to sharing power with republicans in advance of Sinn Féin acceptance of the police, however, DUP sources insisted last night the party was united and determined.
A statement, issued after the meeting of MPs and other senior figures, said: "All members resolved to continue to proceed on the basis of the party executive motion of 9th November, 2006," which laid down policy on the St Andrews Agreement.
It further stated that party leader the Rev Ian Paisley, along with Peter Robinson, Nigel Dodds and Lord Maurice Morrow, would "take forward the resolution of outstanding issues with the prime minister on Tuesday in Downing Street".
They will press for an open and clear announcement and demonstration from Sinn Féin giving support for the PSNI, the courts and meeting all other obligations.
The inclusion of Lord Morrow and North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds is seen as significant as they were among the signatories of a statement last week which claimed that Dr Paisley had not taken part in the process to indicate a nominee for first minister in any new power-sharing executive.
Their statement was viewed as open criticism of the leadership stance.
In contrast, yesterday's party statement insisted that the meeting was "constructive" and was "held in good spirit which displayed widespread agreement".
Senior figures last night declined to comment beyond the statement.
Jeffrey Donaldson, the Lagan Valley MP, said: "It was a very positive meeting, that's all I'll say."
Ian Paisley jnr, the North Antrim Assembly member, yesterday urged his party to "stay focused".
"We should remember that the real enemy is republicans. [ DUP members] should beat up on republicans and not beat their chests or beat up on themselves." He told The Irish Times last night he was "very happy" with the outcome of the meeting. "It was very useful," he said.
Asked if the party was in a better situation following yesterday's discussions he answered: "I think so, definitely."
Publicly and privately DUP sources say the delivery of Sinn Féin support for policing and the courts take priority over any government timetable.
They appeared to be supported in this yesterday by the Church of Ireland primate, Dr Robin Eames.
Speaking after a meeting with the DUP yesterday he said: "The timescales to me are of secondary importance to the ultimate - which is trust."
He added: "You can twist words, you can analyse words. At the end of the day, we have come through too much in this province for a quick fix which is not going to leave people with a feeling of stability."