The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has denied Sinn Féin claims that a channel of communication had been opened up between the two parties.
The claim was made by Sinn Féin chief negotiator Mr Martin McGuinness who said that "while there has been no direct talks between the Sinn Féin leadership and Peter Robinson, Nigel Dodds or Gregory Campbell, there are people who are speaking to the DUP who are also speaking to us,"
"They are doing this with the knowledge of Sinn Féin that they are speaking to the DUP and in my view with the knowledge of the DUP that they are also speaking to Sinn Féin.
"That is the reality of the situation. There are no face to face talks at this time but it is certainly my view that we are seeing a transition taking place within the Democratic Unionist Party.
"It is my view that Peter Robinson is going to be the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and it is my view from what I have learned that Peter Robinson realises that the Paisley mantra of a 'Smash Sinn Féin' policy is a waste of time."
Ulster Unionists have alleged in recent months the DUP has been in secret talks with republicans. However DUP leadership figures tonight moved quickly to deny Mr McGuinness' claim.
"There has been no contact - either through intermediaries or in any other fashion with Sinn Féin," DUP deputy leader Mr Robinson insisted.
"We are open and above board, people know exactly what we are doing and we will not be telling people we are doing one thing in public and doing something else in private."
DUP Policing Board member Mr Ian Paisley junior said Mr McGuinness's claims should be treated with the "contempt" they deserved.
"How many times must it be repeated that there has been no contact, direct or indirect, or by other means with Sinn Féin/IRA?" the North Antrim MLA asked.
"That organisation supplemented by the Ulster Unionists and the NIO are in the business of smear and guilt by implication and will have their comeuppance when the people of Northern Ireland speak at the election once the Secretary of State has the nerve to name the date."
PA