DUP will not be rushed - Robinson

Mr Robinson said there would be no formal designation of shadow first and deputy first ministers at Stormont on 24 November.

But speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Inside Politics programme he insisted the political process was moving in the right direction.

He said what remained was to deliver on the progress made so far.

"I expect that what we're talking about is a qualified intention to proceed when all the conditions are in place," Mr Robinson said.

"I think we are making progress and it's clear we made progress at St Andrews, we've made further progress since St Andrews and there is further work to be done.

"On top of the work that has to be done there is the big issue of delivery."