The Northern Ireland Executive is to hold its first cabinet meeting since last week’s elections amid growing concerns for the future of the peace process.
Ministers from the Ulster Unionist Party, SDLP and Sinn Féin were due to sit around the table just days after hard-line unionists and republicans made spectacular gains in the Westminster and local government elections.
Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble, SDLP deputy leader Mr Seamus Mallon and their ministerial teams were due to discuss the legislative programme at Stormont.
But the meeting will happen against the backdrop of Mr Trimble's threat to resign as First Minister on July 1st if there is not enough progress on IRA decommissioning by the end of the month.
Speculation is mounting that Mr Trimble will face a leadership challenge when his party's 860-member ruling council meets on June 23rd following losses in the general and local government elections.
Anti-Belfast Agreement MPs the Rev Martin Smyth and Jeffrey Donaldson are being touted as possible challengers.
Sinn Féin's two new MPs, Mr Pat Doherty and Ms Michelle Gildernew, were making their first appearance at Westminster today.
The party is lobbying for House of Commons facilities despite refusing to swear the traditional MP oath of allegiance to the Queen.
PA