British Prime Minister Tony Blair is to have talks with Democratic Unionist leader Dr Ian Paisley today, Downing Street announced.
The talks tonight with Dr Paisley and a small delegation from his party are part of Mr Blair's ongoing effort to rescue the Belfast Agreement after the imposition of direct rule from London.
Number 10 today also confirmed that any allegations of an IRA mole still operating in the Northern Ireland office would be investigated.
Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid said in the House of Commons yesterday that a team of MI5 experts is being sent to Stormont to review security in his following the discovery of the alleged IRA spy ring.
He said the Security Service team would carry out "independent and authoritative" review of security in the department.
Dr Reid is expected to convene talks with all sides next week but both governments fear that it could be months before the impasse is broken.
PA