Sinn Féin last night dismissed claims by Colum Eastwood that republicans were close to an agreement with the DUP.
The SDLP leader said Stormont’s two largest parties were "eager to get back into government" but that a final deal may not be signed off until the autumn.
But Mr Eastwood also warned that the details of the proposed DUP-Conservative 'confidence and supply' arrangement must be published before devolution could be restored.
With the June 29 deadline now one week away, the five main parties came together in Belfast yesterday for a round-table session involving the Irish and British governments.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney returned to Dublin after the day's discussions but is expected to be back at Stormont tomorrow.
Sinn Féin voiced its frustration with the British government accusing it of focussing on a “self-serving” deal with the DUP.
"There were honeyed words about supporting the re-establishment of the institutions in the north but no commitment to live up to their obligations on existing agreements or safeguarding the equal rights of citizens or ending their attacks on public services,” Foyle MLA Elisha McCallion said of yesterday’s queen’s speech.
"Their stated commitment to strengthen the union highlights the partisan approach of the Tory government and their refusal to recognise the growing support for Irish unity."
Speaking after the all-party plenary at Stormont, Mr Eastwood claimed the negotiations in London involving the DUP were "clearly undermining" the Stormont talks.
He said the DUP-Tory deal needed to be finalised before the Belfast talks could conclude.
"The chaotic talks between the DUP and the Tories are holding the politics of the north to ransom," he said.
The Foyle MLA said any money secured as a result of the confidence and supply arrangement needed to target "those people in the north who have been left behind".
"The DUP needs to understand that it is not their money – it belongs to all the people of Northern Ireland," he said.
"It must be targeted where objective need exists, not the parochial political desires of one party."
Mr Eastwood said it was "clear" that both the DUP and Sinn Féin were eager to get back into government but "just haven't yet worked out how and what timing will best suit them".
"Everyone is wise to their game at this stage – there can either be a deal now or a deal in the autumn," he said.
The DUP did not responded to Mr Eastwood's claim last night, however, Sinn Féin dismissed the suggestion, adding "Maybe Mr Eastwood could share his crystal ball with us?"
