The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, is expected to make a significant speech later today on the impasse in the peace process. Mr Blair is to make an address in London before noon in which he will focus on the current deadlock and outline what he believes is required to move the process forward.
The Northern Assembly and Executive have been in suspension since October 14th following the collapse of trust among the parties in the wake of the alleged IRA spy ring operation at Stormont.
Intense efforts over the last two weeks involving the British and Irish governments, the Ulster Unionist Party and republicans have failed, and it is understood Mr Blair believes some new dynamic is required to bring a fresh impetus to negotiations.
Mr David Trimble's response is expected this afternoon. Yesterday, the Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, insisted the process could yet be saved if the will to make a deal can be found. Addressing an Easter commemoration in north Belfast, Mr Adams said the impasse can be ended if "deal-makers" seize current opportunities to build stability and confidence.
He also said republicans had to show by their actions and by their "non-actions" that they can advance their agenda.
Addressing the commemoration yesterday, at which wreaths were laid by a senior republican, Mr Eddie Copeland and by Shankill bomber, Mr Seán Kelly, Mr Adams said there was enough in the IRA's statements to the two governments for a deal.
"If the problem at the moment is genuinely about the need to restore confidence in the process then in my view there is enough in all of the statements and commitments contained in them to do this. In other words there is the makings of a deal. What are needed now are deal-makers," he said.
Addressing a rally of several hundred, he asked if there were such deal-makers within the Ulster Unionist Party. "Do they want a deal at this time?" he asked. He went on: "If there is a political will this process can be brought forward at this time, building on the process made and creating both stability and confidence as we collectively fulfil our responsibilities."
Mr Adams admitted there was unease with the political situation within the republican constituency, especially "within the activist community", and that there was anger at events so far. But he added: "This is a time for steady nerves and cool heads."
Appearing to look to the medium term for hope of a resolution to the current difficulties, he added: "Irish republicans need a deep well of patience.
"We have to show by our words and our actions - or non-actions - that we can advance our struggle in the time ahead."
The UUP deputy leader, Sir Reg Empey, said last night that Mr Adams was prepared to blame everyone for the impasse other than himself. He said it was clear that the IRA was not yet able to commit publicly to declaring that its campaign was over. The Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mr David Trimble, will give a response to Mr Adams's call later this morning in Belfast.
He is expected to comment on efforts by officials of the British and Irish governments to achieve an agreement paving the way for publication of their blueprint aimed at restoring devolution and the suspended institutions.
Sinn Féin has been highly critical of the decision by Mr Blair and the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, not to publish their blueprint on the implementation of outstanding aspects of the Belfast Agreement covering policing, criminal justice, security normalisation, human rights and equality.
"What will be achieved?" Mr Adams asked. "Are we being told that people's rights and entitlements will be withheld?"
He continued: "We are told that the problem lies in a lack of clarity in the IRA statement which is in possession of the two governments. There is no lack of clarity in this statement. Maybe the problem is that it does not use the exact words prescribed by the British government. But the statement is very clear about IRA intentions."
He added that London and Dublin had responded positively to the statement and accepted the IRA was "showing a desire to make the peace process work".