The Northern Secretary, Peter Hain, is to bring legislation before the House of Commons tomorrow that would allow him to call a possible snap election to the Northern Ireland Assembly in the autumn.
The Northern Ireland Bill was designed primarily to deal with the devolution of policing and justice powers to any future assembly.
But in a surprise move an additional provision will allow Mr Hain the option of calling an election at any given time when the bill would come into law.
The move will be seen by some as increasing the options available to the British government to restore devolution in Northern Ireland.
However, it may be interpreted as a means of forcing the issue and putting increased pressure on the political parties to reach some form of agreement.
Durkan opposing North MI5 plan
The SDLP leader has signalled his opposition to the element in the proposed legislation which would give MI5 the main responsibility for intelligence gathering in Northern Ireland.
Ahead of a meeting with the British Prime Minister today, Mark Durkan warned that the development could weaken policing in Northern Ireland.
The SDLP leader said the bill amounted to the British government giving with the one hand on policing and justice and taking away with the other.
MI5 is expected to move to a new Northern Ireland base in Palace Barracks in Holywood, Co Down, in preparation for its expanded role which would come into effect at the end of 2007.
The PSNI's Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde, has given his approval to the plan, arguing it would bring Northern Ireland into line with other parts of the UK.
Tony Blair will also discuss DUP proposals for reviving devolution with Ian Paisley at Downing Street today.
