The proposed timetable for Northern Ireland to have a new devolved government is as follows:
Today: The Northern Ireland Bill, including debate, will be taken in one speedy Commons session.
Tomorrow and Thursday: Bill passes through House of Lords, quickly followed by royal assent.
Thursday: Triggering of d'Hondt mechanism, the complicated formula by which ministers to the new Northern Ireland executive are appointed in proportion to party strength: UUP 3, SDLP 3, Sinn Fein 2, DUP 2.
However, Thursday is also the deadline for the UUP response to the plans and, if Mr Trimble's party decides to reject the plans, it will refuse to nominate ministers, bringing the process down.
Friday: Devolution order is enacted in the House of Commons.
Sunday, July 18th: Devolution comes into force and the handover of power from London is complete.
