Talks to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland are deadlocked over a number of unresolved issues including the scandal of a renewable heating incentive (RHI).
Stormonth’s ill-fated green energy scheme landed the executive with a potential £490 million overspend bill.
While a public inquiry has been called into the financial furore the issue that brought down the administration is still causing political friction.
Sinn Fein had insisted it would not re-enter a coalition with DUP leader Arlene Foster as first minister until her role in the RHI – she oversaw its inception when economy minister – is investigated.
The DUP has branded that stance as an “unacceptable precondition” and said if republicans want to veto its choice of first minister it would return serve, and block Sinn Fein’s choice of deputy first minister.
On Tuesday, Sinn Fein hinted it could give ground on this issue if it achieves movement on other outstanding issues.