The Democratic Unionist Party has insisted Sinn Féin or the British government will be at fault if there is any delay in the return of power-sharing in Northern Ireland.
In its Assembly election manifesto, published today, the DUP said any decision it made on committing itself to power-sharing by the March 26 thdeadline would hinge on republicans proving their support for the PSNI, the courts and the rule of law.
But the 64-page document also warned British Chancellor Gordon Brown that the size of the final financial package he offered to a future Stormont executive would also determine if devolution returned.
In a reiteration of the statement issued by the DUP executive last November, the manifesto said: "Republicans know what they need to do.
"Sinn Féin making support for policing and the rule of law conditional on them being in government may satisfy Peter Hain but it is not sufficient for the DUP or the people of Northern Ireland who have borne the brunt of decades of republican attack on the rule of law.
"There must be upfront and proven delivery. There can be no cherry-picking of policing functions to support."
The DUP added: "The restoration of devolution will not be delayed by the DUP.
"It will only be delayed if republicans or the Government do not deliver on their commitments and obligations."
The Government has been accused of offering little in the way of new funds in the Chancellor's offer last November of £50 billion (€74.5 billion) over 10 years in the event of power-sharing returning.
The DUP said today the resolution of this issue was a precondition to the formation of a devolved government.
The DUP also used its manifesto to restate its opposition to water charges and a new rating system for the North.
In addition, it is seeking a cut in the rate of Corporation Tax to entice foreign investors, other fiscal incentives to foster research and development, a cap on industrial rates, a simplified tax and benefits system, reduced business banking charges, and lower fuel duty.