Stand-off could 'go on to 2009'

Sir Reg said politicians' credibility is at stake

The Stormont Executive might not meet before the end of this year, Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey has said.

Another meeting of the executive is scheduled for Thursday, but there is still no sign of an end to the stand-off between the DUP and Sinn Féin.

Interviewed for Inside Politics, Sir Reg said the public was regarding local politicians with increasing contempt.

"I understand talks will be taking place between the DUP and SF to see if they can find a way forward," he said.

"I hope they succeed but I am not particularly optimistic and I fear if it does not succeed, there may not be an executive for the rest of this year."

The executive has not met since June.

The failure of Sinn Féin and the DUP to agree on the transferring of policing and justice powers from Westminster has been a key factor in the deadlock.