DUP leader the Rev Ian Paisley meets Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain today for talks on the restoration of devolved power-sharing government.
The talks with the DUP are the latest in a two-day series Mr Hain is having to urge the parties towards agreement on restoring the executive.
He met Sinn Féin yesterday and has also held talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern.
Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain
Dr Paisley is determined to secure a financial settlement before agreeing to enter government with Sinn Féin. He also wants reassurance Sinn Féin is fully supporting policing.
Mr Hain said yesterday that Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams's call for anyone with information about the murders of two men in north and west Belfast to give it to police showed he was honouring republicans' decision to back policing.
"Sinn Féin are delivering on what they promised. It is another reason why devolution should happen on March 26th and that unionists should feel comfortable with being in power with Sinn Féin," said Mr Hain.
Speaking after talks at Hillsborough Castle with Mr Ahern, the Northern Secretary said a financial package could be put together. Mr Hain will be with Chancellor Gordon Brown when he meets the local parties on Thursday next week - four days before the March 26th deadline.
"The Chancellor will be prepared to provide extra assistance if that is what is needed to get the parties across the line," he said.
He hinted there could be enough cash to prevent the introduction of water charges in Northern Ireland next month.
PA