The Irish Farmers Association has said it is deferring a decision to re-enter the partnership talks because of uncertainty surrounding the talks.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said that he is pessimisitic about the prospects for a deal.
The president of the country's largest union has said the row over decentralisation in the semi-state sector could scupper negotiations on a national pay deal.
Jack O'Connor of SIPTU was speaking at a protest by semi state workers outside the office of Minister of State Tom Parlon.
Talks on the new social partnership agreement adjourned without agreement last night.
It is understood that employers, unions and Government officials were unable to bridge the gap on a number of contentious issues including pay, pensions and measures to avoid exploitation of workers.
The participants will reconvene at 2pm on Sunday to consider whether there is a basis for further negotiations with a view to reaching an agreement.
