New legislation granting the Northern Ireland Secretary the power to rule on the flying of flags from public buildings is expected to be introduced in the British parliament this week.
A Northern Ireland Office spokesman said the legislation would be employed only as a "last resort". He said it was hoped the Assembly would reach agreement on flying the Union flag from government buildings. "Failing that, the Northern Ireland Secretary will use his power, which is a reserved power, to make the final decision. Naturally, we hope it will not come to that."
During the brief days of the power-sharing Executive, the two Sinn Fein ministers ordered the removal of the Union flag from their departmental buildings and Sinn Fein demanded that either the Tricolour be flown along with the Union flag or that no flags be displayed on public buildings.
It is understood that Ulster Unionists are seeking clarification on the issue before their 860-strong ruling council meets on Saturday to decide on whether the party will re-enter the Executive on the basis of the deal reached in Hillsborough over a week ago.
Last Friday the UUP leader, Mr David Trimble, referred to the flags issue when he said his party would be trying to clarify the IRA's offer of putting weapons beyond use and the British government's stance on "matters we regard as matters of our concern".