Sinn Féin Ard Comhairle meeting in Dublin

Sinn Fein's Ard Comhairle meets in Dublin today to discuss the peace process and whether to continue its partial involvement in the Stormont assembly.

Political talks in the North are expected to intensify this month in advance of the November devolution deadline imposed by London and Dublin.

Sinn Féin's chief negotiator Martin McGuinness said he is still hopeful that the DUP leader will agree to share power with republicans.

“Given the attitude adopted by Ian Paisley, it is probable that he won't agree to share power with Catholics before the twenty-fourth of November.

"I say probable - I think it's also possible that he might think it is in his best interests that he should. And if there is even a remote possibility we'll bust a gut, we'll sweat blood to make this happen,” McGuiness said.