THE Stormont talks look likely to continue next week amid appeals from business and civic leaders for parties to resolve their differences.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams last night said his party was "quite relaxed" about returning to negotiations after Easter but claimed the DUP needed to engage more if a resolution is to be found.
His claims were rejected by the DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson, who accused republicans of preparing for "yet another walk-out".
With the Irish language and other rights issues dominating discussions between Stormont's two largest parties, Mr Adams also appeared to suggest power-sharing could be restored in the absence of agreement with the British government on legacy.
However, while the Louth TD said such a move was possible he said it would "alienate many, many people".
Campaign group Relatives for Justice said any attempt to establish a Stormont executive without resolving how to deal with the past would be "totally inexcusable and unforgivable".
The possibility of an extended talks deadline came after civic leaders yesterday urged the north's politicians to work towards agreement.
An open letter from 19 organisations, including the CBI, Manufacturing NI, Hospitality Ulster and the north’s two universities, said devolution was the only option for safeguarding peace and generating economic growth.
The letter also warned that a united voice was "urgently needed to protect our unique interests" during Brexit negotiations.
Last month Secretary of State James Brokenshire said he would consider the reintroduction of direct rule in the north if the current negotiations failed.
The Tory MP said he would wait until Westminster returned from its Easter break next Tuesday before deciding on the way forward.
