BRITISH government proposals for an "elective process" in the North remained on the table last night, following 90 minutes of "intensive" talks between Mr John Major and Mr John Hume.
But with some apparent head way made, the Prime Minister and SDLP leader agreed to meet again soon.
There is still no agreement between the two on an elected process or body as a route to all party talks in Northern Ireland.
However, it is understood the SDLP was assured that Mr Major is committed to proceed with the peace process by way of a common and "agreed" approach.
The assurance that Mr Major does not propose to act unilaterally was obviously crucial to his attempt to secure SDLP engagement with the concept of an election.
Senior British government sources yesterday told The Irish Times they believed an election, would take place, and discounted suggestions it might take the form of a poll of party support with the parties drawing on a list system to nominate teams for talks.
In an intensification of his diplomatic offensive begun in the aftermath of last week's report by the international body on decommissioning Mr Major will have talks later today with the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley.
The Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, is scheduled to meet Mr Major tomorrow afternoon, following a London meeting of the Anglo Irish Inter Governmental Conference.
Downing Street was last night trying to arrange a date with the Alliance leader, Dr John Alderdice.
It was also confirmed that Mr Major and the Taoiseach, Mr John Bruton, will review these developments in a telephone conference at the end of the week.