The North's political parties were under increasing pressure today to agree a deal to save the region's power-sharing government.

Negotiations to save the North’s powersharing government are continuing tonight after a rebellion within Democratic Unionist ranks raised fears of a worsening crisis.

The Democratic Unionist Party will elect a new leader next week, it emerged tonight.

Northern Ireland’s politicians were tonight preparing for another week of intense negotiations as hopes of a significant peace process breakthrough rose.