CONSERVATIVE MPs will this week try to block any attempt by Sinn Fein to establish an office within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster. No 10 Downing Street, meanwhile, has confirmed that ministers in the new Labour government will not meet Sinn Fein's two MPs - Mr Gerry Adams and Mr Martin McGuinness - unless the IRA ceasefire is restored.
That clarification came after a report yesterday that Mr McGuinness might seek a meeting with the Home Secretary, Mr Jack Straw, to discuss the case of Ms Roisin McAliskey. Mr McGuinness is planning to visit Ms McAliskey in Holloway prison tomorrow, and hopes to discuss her condition, and the arrangements for the imminent birth of her baby, with the prison governor.
However, it seems any attempt by the newly elected MP to raise the case with the government will be confined to discussions at official level. A Number 10 spokesman said he was not aware of any requests for a meeting but that policy was unchanged: "No contacts with ministers will be considered unless there is an IRA ceasefire."
But Downing Street declined to become embroiled in the growing controversy generated by a separate newspaper report yesterday - denied by Sinn Fein - claiming that the Commons authorities had already agreed the Sinn Fein MPs could enjoy office and other facilities at Westminster while declining to swear the Oath of Allegiance and take their Commons seats.
Asked if the Prime Minister Mr Blair, was aware of such of a development, had been consulted or took a view, the Number 10 spokesman said it would be a matter for the House of Commons authorities.
However, Mr Richard McAuley, of Sinn Fein, denied that any agreement had been reached. He said the party was in continuing discussions with unnamed people at Westminster "to see what, if anything, is available in the absence of taking the Oath". But he expected little, and said the important point was the party's commitment to open an office and maintain a permanent presence in London. Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness are expected to visit London together early next week.
And the question whether Sinn Fein might have a Westminster office by then took another twist last night, as it emerged the decision could fall to the Liberal Democrats' "accommodation whip" Mr Simon Hughes.
By convention the accommodation needs of minority parties fall to the third largest party in the Commons.
However, Mr Michael Mates, the former Northern Ireland minister, will hold urgent discussions on the issue with the Sergeant at Arms Office later today.
And Mr Andrew Hunter, chairman of the backbench Northern Ireland Committee, has said he plans to raise the issue with the Speaker, Miss Betty Boothroyd.