The IRA is facing a decision about the terms on which the DUP is prepared to enter a power-sharing government with Sinn Féin in the North.
After meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London this evening, DUP leader Ian Paisley said a published photograph of IRA weapons would be required to convince the general public that decommissioning had taken place.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has now reportedly told senior party colleagues that they should accept the latest proposals to revive power-sharing.
Following Mr Paisley's talks with Mr Blair, the DUP leader said the IRA needed to surrender their weapons. 'If you sin publicly, you have to repent publicly', he said.
Dr Paisley said it was not a matter of the humiliation of the IRA but a matter of reality. 'If the IRA are honest and face up to their responsibilities, they will take their humiliation,' he added.
He concluded by saying this was still the best opportunity for peace and that there was a tide running in people's minds and hearts. 'This is not the time for bargaining, but a time for making the decision,' he said.
A Downing Street spokesman said it is significant that Mr Paisley has said he is prepared to go into government with Sinn Féin if decommissioning were addressed.
The spokesman said the DUP leader was clearly aware of the significance of the moment.
He added that Mr Blair still intended to travel to Belfast on Wednesday and that the Prime Minister still believed a deal was possible.
Mr Blair would go to Belfast to publish the proposals which the two governments had put before the parties during the recent negotiations.
