The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) will today discuss Peter Robinson’s plan for round-table talks to broker deals on the issues dividing the Stormont Executive.
The transfer of policing and justice powers to the Assembly and issues such as an Irish Language Act threatened to derail the Executive last week.
Following talks between the DUP and Sinn Féin in Downing Street, Mr Robinson said he would like to see all four government parties taking part in talks to find a solution to outstanding issues.
Sinn Féin could have prevented Mr Robinson succeeding the Rev Ian Paisley as First Minister by refusing to re-nominate Martin McGuinness to share the office.
The tactic could have forced elections, but both parties emerged from discussions in London committed to finding a way forward.
Mr Robinson repeated the call for talks involving all the government parties - the DUP, Sinn Fein, the SDLP and the UUP.
The UUP Assembly group will hold talks this morning on its response to the plan.
The party’s chief whip, David McNarry, reacted to claims that the round-table discussions may be an attempt by the larger parties to spread the blame for any uncomfortable compromise deals.
“We are pretty long in the tooth and we know that the DUP don’t go looking for friends,” he said.
“But if they are trying to cover up something, or share the blame, that won’t work with us. We want to see what relationships can be developed.”
PA