First Minister Peter Robinson has described the Northern Executive as "no longer fit for purpose" and has called for intensive St Andrews Agreement-type talks to try to break the political deadlock. Mr Robinson warned yesterday that the impasse between, in particular the DUP and Sinn Féin, over welfare reform could bring down the Executive and the Assembly.

"It is transparently untenable for the Assembly and Executive to be sustainable while carrying the cost burden flowing from a failure to follow the national government's welfare reform changes," he wrote in an article in yesterday's Belfast Telegraph. "We have now come against an issue that doesn't allow us to hang on with the present process at Stormont. The present process cannot survive the welfare reform issue."

Mr Robinson called for comprehensive talks similar to the negotiations that took place in St Andrews in Scotland in 2006 – an engagement that involved the British and Irish governments and the five main Northern parties. It paved the way for the powersharing agreement between the DUP and Sinn Féin that led to the return of the Executive in May 2007.

While the recent political focus has been on welfare reform, the Executive for several months now has been deadlocked over a range of other issues that would have to be addressed in new talks. These include parades, the past and flags, the creation of a reconciliation centre at the old Maze prison site, the Irish language and Sinn Féin/SDLP opposition to the new British National Crime Agency operating in Northern Ireland.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said Sinn Féin was "open to discussion", although he had concerns about Mr Robinson urging that parties such as the anti-Belfast Agreement Traditional Unionist Voice be involved.

“Sinn Féin is for negotiations and dialogue and we have been absolutely clear that the British and Irish governments, as well as the US administration are involved,” he said. “But it should be also remembered that in relation to welfare cuts our argument is with the British government, which doesn’t care for the most marginalised and disadvantaged in our society,” Mr McGuinness added.

Northern Secretary Theresa Villiers, in an initial response yesterday, put the onus on the North's parties to resolve their differences, telling the House of Commons it was imperative they got back "around the table".

Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said progress was only possible through dialogue and compromise. "There is no viable alternative to the early resumption of political talks. The Irish Government is committed to using our influence and resources to achieve that objective.

“I have carefully noted the First Minister’s article,” he added. “In charting a way forward, it is important that the views of the other Northern Ireland parties are also taken on board.”