The British government will this morning publish emergency legislation bringing into effect the St Andrews plan for reviving devolution at Stormont.
The legislation will contain a date for an Assembly election rather than a referendum to ratify the deal.
"The legislation is very specific that there will be an Assembly Election," a Stormont source said. "In all likelihood it will be March 7th.
"You don't have to really work hard to figure out that date, given that the target for the restoration of devolution is March 26th."
Details of the Assembly Election date emerged after a day of frantic behind the scenes negotiations in London and Belfast on the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Bill whose First Reading will go before MPs tomorrow.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness were in the House of Commons today working out of the party's offices as officials worked on the legislation.
Democratic Unionist leader, the Reverend Ian Paisley was also at Westminster where he took part in the Queen's speech debate.
Mr Paisley told MPs it was essential as the Government tried to restore power sharing that Sinn Fein signed up to supporting the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the courts and the rule of law.
"If Northern Ireland is going to go another road to peace and prosperity, it must have the rock solid foundation that anyone serving in Government must be subject to the law of the security forces, the forces of the Crown, the police and also of those who adjudicate justice," the North Antrim MP said.