With the prospect of Westminster and local government elections looming, Mr Doherty stressed time left for progress was limited. The talks were suspended in December after failure to reach agreement. Mr Doherty said he hoped the British government would show more flexibility on policing and demilitarisation than in the discussions before Christmas. What we need to do is resolve the outstanding issues. The nearer you move to elections, the bigger a factor they are.
Elections are only a number of months off.
Meanwhile, two senior Ulster Unionists have announced they are seeking their party's nomination for the Westminster constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. He said he was standing at a crucial period for the peace process. It is vital the entire UUP unites behind the strategy of the leadership, which has already indicated that unionism will not permit the British government and unionist population of Northern Ireland to be held to ransom by republicanism. She said she would be trying to unite the various strands of unionism. I am encouraged by the promises of support in the constituency and I intend to give it my best shot.