The Northern Secretary, Peter Hain, has told a visiting US delegation that he is 'deadly serious' about closing Stormont this day week unless a power-sharing administration is in place.
RTÉ News understands that householders in Northern Ireland will receive bills for water rates next week unless the Assembly sits and decides to alter water charges policy.
President Mary McAleese earlier said that she absolutely believes that the conditions could not be better for the completion of power-sharing in Northern Ireland by the coming deadline.
Speaking in Louvain during a visit to Belgium, President McAleese said the voters in Northern Ireland sent the message out loud and clear, that she does not believe there is any alternative, and that she has no doubt the opportunity will be taken.
Earlier, the president of the European Commission wrote to the leaders of Northern Ireland’s four main parties offering to meet them.
In his letter, José Manuel Barroso indicated he is keen to explore how the EU can continue to play a positive role underpinning the peace process in Northern Ireland.
This is the week when the DUP leader, Ian Paisley, will decide whether he will enter a power-sharing administration.
All the North's parties want a financial package to help any new administration bed in.
On Thursday in London, Chancellor Gordon Brown will tell Northern politicians what the British Treasury will contribute.
So far there is no indication that Mr Brown will show any flexibility on the corporation tax question.
It is a big issue for Northern Ireland because of the competitive advantage enjoyed by the Republic of Ireland.
The EU could be another useful source of support for any new power-sharing administration.
Reliable sources in Brussels now say that if an administration is formed by 26 March, they will find an open door policy at EU level.
