THE British government has refused to rule out holding another snap Stormont election on the same day as the Westminster poll.
Talks have reconvened following the Easter break between the north's political parties and the British and Irish governments in a bid to restore the collapsed institutions.
However, senior party figures have expressed little hope of a reaching deal because of June's Westminister election - with the UUP's Tom Elliot branding an agreement "pretty much dead in the water".
Last week Secretary of State James Brokenshire warned that Northern Ireland could face direct rule or another election if no agreement is reached by early May.
Tuesday's announcement of a general election on June 8 prompted speculation that another assembly poll could go ahead on the same date.
Mr Brokenshire has said there will be no change to the talks process despite the announcement of a general election, and said he would fast-track laws through the British parliament by early May if a deal can be reached.
But asked yesterday if Mr Brokenshire would rule out the possibility of an assembly election on June 8, the Northern Ireland Office said such speculation was "not helpful".
A British government spokeswoman said: "The government remains fully focused on the reestablishment of strong, stable devolved government in Northern Ireland.
"To that end, we are working with the NI parties and the Irish government, as appropriate, to enable them to reach agreement on executive formation and other issues, building on the discussions which have already taken place.
"While there is a final opportunity to reach agreement and put in place the devolved government following March 2 assembly election, it is not helpful to speculate about alternatives."
