Deal could bring NI elections

David Trimble and Gerry Adams have concluded their negotiations

A deal negotiated by Sinn Fein and the Ulster Unionists to restore devolution in Northern Ireland may be approved by Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern imminently.

There is speculation the British and Irish prime ministers could arrive in Northern Ireland on Tuesday to give their approval to the deal.

The deal, which political sources say would pave the way for a fresh Assembly elections on Wednesday 26 November, is expected to be outlined on Tuesday.

A statement issued by Downing Street on Monday said that Mr Blair "stands ready to do whatever is necessary" to assist the Northern Ireland political process.

The potential deal is believed to include a third act of decommissioning by the IRA.

Northern Ireland's devolved administration was suspended a year ago amid allegations of IRA intelligence-gathering in the Stormont government.

Analysis: A deal for devolution? Northern Ireland chronology

Assembly elections were postponed in May.

On Monday, crowd control barriers were erected by the police at Hillsborough Castle, suggesting a visit by the prime ministers.

Speaking in Dublin, Mr Ahern said he was hopeful a breakthrough would be made.

At Stormont, the Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and the Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble held at least two meetings on Monday.

Speaking after one set of talks, which lasted only 40 minutes, a unionist source said the discussions had "gone as far as they can go".

The source said others now had to take responsibility so that circumstances would create a new momentum in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Phone talks

Sinn Fein described the discussions as being at a very sensitive stage.

Former assembly member Conor Murphy, who was involved in the negotiations, said it was "make your mind up" time.

Meanwhile, Mr Blair has had more discussions on the phone with Mr Ahern on Monday.

Mr Blair cancelled a number of engagements as he recovered from the medical treatment he received at the weekend for an irregular heartbeat.

However, when questioned about Mr Blair's ability to fly to Northern Ireland for an announcement, the Downing Street spokesman insisted that the prime minister stood ready to do whatever is necessary.

Negotiators from the UUP and Sinn Fein held talks lasting more than 12 hours at Hillsborough Castle on Sunday.