SINN Féin deputy leader Michelle O’Neill has said a "real opportunity" exists to successfully conclude talks aimed at restoring devolution, while SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has stressed the need for Stormont's parties to reconcile their differences.
Church leaders yesterday issued a Christmas message urging Northern Ireland's politicians to keep their eyes on the goal of restoring power-sharing.
Talks broke up last week with the two governments blaming the DUP for failing to break the deadlock.
The negotiations are expected to reconvene early in the new year ahead of a January 13 deadline for triggering a fresh assembly election.
Ms O'Neill said Sinn Féin was committed to the restoration of the "political institutions of the Good Friday Agreement on the basis of equality and respect".
“There is a real opportunity to successfully conclude the talks and have a sitting Assembly and Executive to address the crisis in our health and public services – progress and resolution is imperative," she said.
"There is an overwhelming appetite in the public for good government formed without further delay."
Mr Eastwood said next month would mark three full years since the Stormont executive collapsed.
"We have an opportunity in this moment to restore not just the institutions of government but faith in the ability of parties to set aside their differences and act in the substantial common interests of those we represent," he said.
"If this moment passes us by, it will be a long time before we get another."
