Confusion surrounds DUP stance on devolution
There's confusion in the North over the precise position of the DUP on the British government's proposal of a committee to discuss restoring devolution.
It's considered important as the proposal is the only current available way of pushing the process forward in the absence of DUP support for power-sharing with Sinn Féin.
After the assembly failed to elect a first and deputy first minister, London wants to set up a committee to consider how devolution can be restored.
The Ulster Unionists support it while Sinn Féin says it must involve senior members of all four main parties and the SDLP that there must be a summer deadline to avoid directionless drift.
DUP policy, however, appears to be confused. Its deputy leader, Peter Robinson, supported the proposal in a recent interview although Ian Paisley has ruled it out.
Martin McGuinness calls the DUP position bizarre although DUP sources say their involvement will depend on the committee's remit and membership.
