DUP MP Ian Paisley has said his party is "holding out" until the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill advances further through Westminster before returning to Stormont power-sharing.
He was responding to reports that Downing Street fears the legislation to override the Brexit deal on Irish Sea trade could be defeated if the DUP does not commit to restoring the Assembly.
Patience with the party is "running thin" and "written assurances" are being sought that the DUP will nominate a Speaker, a UK government senior source told the News Letter.
