SINN Féin's calls for Stormont powersharing talks to resume in a week's time were last night rejected by unionists - with the DUP branding the move a 'stunt'.
In a letter to the Irish and UK governments and leaders of other political parties, Sinn Féin party leader Michelle O'Neill said negotiations should resume on Monday, August 28. They had been expected to begin next month.
Ms O'Neill said she did not believe there is a need or public appetite for drawn-out discussions.
"With limited engagement since the talks concluded on 4th July, I am keen to formally re-engage at the earliest opportunity in order to re-establish an Executive and powersharing institutions on a proper and sustainable footing," she said.
"...In this context, and with an eagerness to resolve outstanding issues, I am also formally proposing that this round of talks be focused and time-limited."
But former DUP finance and health minister Simon Hamilton launched a scathing attack on Sinn Féin, claiming its was holding Stormont 'to ransom' over its 'political wish list'.
In a social media post, the Strangford Assembly member called for the Executive to be restored and have "negotiations in parallel".
"SF wants talks. DUP ready to form Executive 5 months ago. SF blocking key decisions on health, education & infrastructure," he wrote on Twitter, with the hashtag 'SFstunt'.
DUP party leader Arlene Foster appeared to endorse his views by retweeting his comments.
The failure of the north's two biggest parties to reach agreement on a range of issues, including an Irish Language act, same-sex marriage and legacy cases, led to the failure of formal talks in July.
Civil servants have been in charge since powersharing collapsed at the beginning of the year and there is increasing concern about the impact of savage cuts on frontline services in health and education.
Stormont departments have already been asked to identify areas for spending reductions and although the health service was due to be protected, a total of £70 million must be shaved off health trust spending by next April.
Ulster Unionist party leader Robin Swann also expressed cynicism about the Sinn Féin proposal to bring forward the talks.
"While they might want to appear like they are driving this process forward, if Sinn Fein approach this set of talks with their red lines in place it is difficult to see how progress can be made," he said.
