THE DUP was looking increasingly isolated last night ahead of the EU and British government's formal adoption of the Windsor Framework.
Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris told Sir Jeffrey Donaldson there would be no further negotiation of the February 27 deal, which was secured after months of protracted talks.
"There is nothing more to get out of that conversation – it is done," he said.
The remarks followed a series of meetings between Mr Heaton-Harris and the Stormont parties – some 24 hours after MPs gave the framework their resounding support.
While a majority of party representatives emerged from the discussions at Hillsborough Castle urging an immediate restoration of the institutions, the DUP continued to signal its unhappiness with the deal.
Sir Jeffrey described the framework, which his party has yet to formally endorse or reject, as a "sticking plaster".
"It won't work, it will not deliver the long-term stability and prosperity that Northern Ireland needs," he said.
It was reported last night that the DUP's eight person panel considering the framework would report next week.
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald said it was "time to move on" and for the Stormont executive to be re-established without delay.
