The World at One
BBC Radio 4

Former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern, who was one of the architects of the Good Friday agreement, tells Martha Kearney he hopes the secretary of state will bring in "an extension of time" for the talks, but that it should be no longer than Easter. 

Mr Ahern says: "There's an obligation on Downing Street and the Irish government" to be involved, as for the last 25 years "compromises are normally brokered through participation of the governments".  

Time is ticking down to the 4pm deadline to reach a deal to save Stormont and restore a power-sharing executive - and it's not looking good.

Image source, Getty

So, where does each party stand in the talks and what are their demands? Read our round-up of each of the parties' red line issues, here.

One reader isn't too impressed.

Careful what you wish for Steven, there's plenty of drying paint needs coverage... 

People Before Profit's Gerry Carroll says MLA's salaries need to be cut if the assembly is not sitting.

"Why should MLAs still be getting a full salary, still be getting a full wage?" he said.

Outgoing Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt says the talks process was a "complete shambles" and that "an unelected civil servant is about to become arguably the most important man in Northern Ireland". 

"We are very, very frustrated that we are not being allowed to get on with the work in full."

He added that the party wants to know why James Brokenshire did not call a round-table meeting in the last three weeks.

Mark Devenport
BBC News NI Political Editor

The Ulster Unionist chief negotiator said it was "simply the worst" talks process ever. Blame is being thrown around between the DUP and Sinn Féin.

Now, all eyes are on Secretary of State James Brokenshire and what he chooses to do next - read more about his options, including another expensive election or a return to direct rule.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has again called for an independent chair for the talks process.

He says there has to be "a new process" and that it would be "very difficult" for Secretary of State James Brokenshire to chair the talks.

"Let’s refocus ourselves, let’s not accept that this can’t be done - this can be done and it can be done quickly. An election won't solve anything.

"The public are absolutely furious."

Sinn Féin has spoken to the media at Stormont - and their northern leader, Michelle O'Neill, says the party is standing firm over their talks stance. 

"Previous agreements need to be implemented," she said. "We came at the negotiations with the right attitude, wanting to make the institutions work, wanting to deliver for all citizens."

She added the DUP "didn't approach the negotiations with the right attitude" and that the "British government did not play their role in the way they should". 

Alliance leader Naomi Long says an election will not resolve the problems in Northern Ireland and has warned of the impact it could have on the community.

Speaking at Stormont, Mrs Long says a deal is possible and that direct rule is not a good option for Northern Ireland.

She says that all the main parties will meet both governments later to try to find a way forward.

The DUP's Edwin Poots tells Talkback: "There was a lot of talk about respect before the election, but throughout the talks process, there has been a distinct lack of respect coming from Sinn Féin."

"The fact they refused to have James Brokenshire chair the sessions and give it structure, their non-respect of the other parties in their refusal to have plenary sessions. They have shown gross disrespect to everyone else."