THE SDLP has called on the DUP and Sinn Féin to publish what progress they have made in the talks process.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the two largest parties need to detail what, if any, breakthroughs have been reached as the latest talks deadline looms.
Secretary of State James Brokenshire has indicated that the parties have to reach a deal by October 30 to allow Westminster to set a budget the following week.
Mr Eastwood said the DUP and Sinn Féin need to "come clean with the public".
"The time for negotiating behind the scenes is over. The public deserve to know why they are paying the price for political failure," he said.
He called on the parties to reveal their "plan B" if the talks fail.
"The SDLP is clear, British direct rule must not and cannot be the plan B," he said.
"Direct rule doesn’t just bring the British Government into a more powerful position - it gives Arlene Foster and the DUP a blank cheque."
