The US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland says he believes the row over welfare reform will be resolved in a matter of days and before the Westminster elections in May.
Retired Senator Gary Hart said he does not believe that the power-sharing administration at Stormont will collapse.
He made his comments to journalists after meetings yesterday with Northern Ireland First Minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness.
Mr Hart was due to meet Taoiseach Enda Kenny when Mr Kenny attends a series of engagements in Belfast this evening.
