Hopes of end to the north Belfast school crisis were boosted tonight as politicians agreed on a package aimed at tackling the social issues underlining the situation.
Senior officials drew up the package of proposals which deal with many of the concerns affecting the flashpoint Ardoyne area where the Holy Cross Catholic Primary School has been at the centre of a five day stand off.
The move followed a meeting between Northern Secretary Dr John Reid, acting Northern First Minister Sir Reg Empey and a representative from acting Deputy First Minister Mr Seamus Mallon.
In a joint statement they said: "There is widespread acceptance of the need for a formal mechanism for dialogue, which would involve both the Executive and the Secretary of State, addressing a full range of social, economic and community issues both now and in the longer term."
The package tackles housing, education, health and sectarian concerns.
Stressing the need for dialogue between the two sides, the statement urged all concerned to ensure no further clashes occur.
It added that senior official have been asked to consult immediately with local interests to draw on relevant experience and expertise.
Dr Reid is also due to meet Protestant residents in the Glenbryn estate tomorrow to discuss their grievances.
The effort to resolve the crisis was further bolstered with the announcement that US President Mr George W. Bush is sending a special envoy to Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Office sources confirmed White House adviser Mr Richard Haass, who last visited Northern Ireland in June, will meet the Dr John Reid in London on Monday before travelling to the North.
Earlier today clergymen striving to bring an end to the trouble urged political leaders to seize an opportunity created by their intervention.
After joining the parish priest for a prayer service outside Holy Cross Primary School in Ardoyne, Protestant minister the Rev Norman Hamilton said: "We have opened a door that others can walk through. It's over to them now."
Residents in the Glenbryn estate had earlier abandoned their whistles and horns as a mark of respect for Thomas McDonald, the 16-year-old Protestant knocked down and killed in another flashpoint part of the city on Tuesday.
Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral after a service at his home in the White City estate, three miles across north Belfast.
A short vigil for the youth was held on the Ardoyne Road before residents stood with backs turned and heads bowed while around 140 pupils were led through by police.
Catholic parents and children also held a minute's silence for the dead teenager before setting off through the security barriers. Later the girls, some aged as young as four, returned without any incident.
There have been no face-to-face talks to try to resolve the dispute, but it is understood mediators are involved putting forward a number of proposals to give the two sides some breathing space.
Following four days of bitterness, blast bombs and fierce clashes between Protestants and riot police, today's events were greeted with huge relief.
Sinn Fein president Mr Gerry Adams, who was in Ardoyne today, insisted the protest must stop, but added republicans should be prepared to reach out to their Protestant neighbours.
Mr Adams is to meet the Taoiseach Mr Ahern on Tuesday to discuss the crisis.
After leaving their children at school, parents said they were relieved there had been no trouble.
Mr Alban Maginness, the nationalist SDLP Assembly member, urged both sides not to squander the opportunity to resolve the dispute he felt now existed.
While Mr Billy Hutchinson, a Northern Ireland Assembly man with the loyalist Progressive Unionists also praised the gesture of a minute's silence.