Focus switches to Scotland talks after positive IMC report
The Irish and British governments are preparing to ratchet up the pressure on the DUP to agree a power-sharing deal with Sinn Féin.
Yesterday, the body set up to monitor paramilitary ceasefires in the North said the IRA was living up to its commitments to end violence and was "firmly set on a political strategy".
The two governments say the report lays the basis for a final settlement in the North and a deal to restore the power-sharing institutions.
However, the DUP says it will be seeking clarification from the Independent Monitoring Commission about whether the moves taken by the IRA are "permanent and irreversible".
It also said Sinn Féin must recognise the PSNI and "the rule of law" to demonstrate its commitment to democracy.
The North's parties are due to hold negotiations in Scotland next week in an effort to reach a deal on restoring devolution before the November 24th deadline and the DUP is expected to come under major pressure ahead of those talks to end its point-blank refusal to share power with republicans.
It remains unclear, however, if the party is prepared to take such a move.
