Brokenshire: Stormont deal 'can be done by Monday'
The NI Secretary of State James Brokenshire has stated his belief that the parties at Stormont can reach an agreement on forming an Executive by Monday.
Mr Brokenshire is chairing discussions between the parties on Friday.
Monday 27 March represents the deadline put in place for forming an Executive after the election on 2 March.
"There a re a number of issues where I see common grounds and where i firmly believe resolution can be achieved," he said.
"But there are other issues that still remain to be resolved in order for an Executive to be formed on Monday.
"We also have a duty to victims and survivors to come forward with proposals to deal with the past.
"I believe that a deal is still achievable with good will, good spirit and that positive intent.
"But time is short and we must firmly focus on those key issues to enable an Executive to be formed on Monday."