A delegation from the Group of 7, a Northern Ireland conglomerate of business and economic interests, yesterday met the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, at Stormont.
A spokesman for the G7, Mr Chris Gibson, chairman of the Confederation of British Industry - Northern Ireland, said Dr Mowlam had invited the group for a briefing on the current impasse in the political process.
Mr Gibson stressed that the current stalemate and continuing violence were adversely affecting the rate of inward investment in the North.
"It takes a while for someone to make up their mind to come and put down money here. If there is a critical stage and something like last weekend happens. I'm sure it has an effect on their decision," he said.
The G7 has stated the urgent need for the establishment of an executive involving all the eligible parties and the creation of a stable political environment.