The DUP has expressed hope of the potential of closing the funding gap sufficiently to allow a Stormont budget to be agreed.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson also hailed what he described as a “sense of realism” entering budget discussions with the UK Government.
He referenced the expected announcement next week of Barnett consequentials, funding adjustments given to Scotland and Wales as well as Northern Ireland in response to adjusted policy spending in England.
Previously, Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant insisted there is no more money available beyond the £1.5 billion currently on the table.
Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has been meeting party leaders at Stormont (PA)
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Sir Chris met with party leaders at Parliament Buildings on Thursday.
Speaking following her meeting, Sinn Féin president Mary-Lou McDonald cautioned the money on offer from London “still runs far short” of what is necessary for public services and public sector pay awards.
However, Mr Robinson suggested a closing of the funding gap next Wednesday could give Stormont ministers a “fighting chance” to balance its budget.
“It is clear to us – and has been for some time – and I think it is now clear to the Secretary of State that no matter whether this Executive passes a budget, or indeed he steps in and the Government pass it on the Executive’s behalf, the books cannot balance,” he said.
“That realisation is important. I think there is an understanding of the gap and there is an understanding of the constraints both here and in Westminster, but I do think there is an opportunity for us to continue engagement, and also to look towards Wednesday of next week to see whether the gap can be closed sufficiently that would allow the Executive a fighting chance to balance the books.
“Whilst we are still in different places, and it’s fair to acknowledge that the Secretary of State and us do not agree on the way forward, I have to say the realism that has been injected into the discussions today, and I hope will be a feature of other discussions as well, is a good starting point.”
Pressed, Mr Robinson said it would not be realistic to imagine the gap will be entirely closed, or that hundreds of millions of pounds will be announced next week, but he thought the money on offer, and ability to “reprofile other monies”, and what will come next week could take them a “huge step”.
He said: “If we’re in the realms of a smaller gap to close, I am of the political belief that when the gap is smaller and it is more manageable, then we could progress.”
Stormont Finance Minister John O’Dowd and Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald speak to media at Parliament Buildings after a meeting with Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant. (Rebecca Black/PA)
Ms McDonald said there will be “further conversations”, adding that Stormont Finance Minister John O’Dowd who accompanied her had been involved in “months and months of talks”.
She said: “We are clear that we have to land at a decision point and we have made very clear to the Secretary of State that we will work constructively, but there has to be understanding that the right investment has to be made here in the North.
“They can’t short-change people who live here, we won’t accept or tolerate that.”
Earlier, Sinn Féin accused the DUP of “deflecting” amid the budget impasse.
The comment from the republican party came after DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly claimed Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill had rejected an invitation for the both of them to meet Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds alongside Sir Chris.
Executive departments have been operating without a budget since the beginning of the current financial year in April, and are currently only allowed to spend up to 95% of last year’s funding.
Ministers in the devolved powersharing administration have insisted they cannot strike a budget for 2026/27 without additional financial support from Westminster.
The UK Government has offered an extra £1.5 billion over the next three years in an effort to assist with balancing the books, but Stormont’s leaders insist that is not enough.
In response, Sir Chris has hit out at “irresponsible” overspending by devolved ministers.
On Wednesday evening, Ms Little-Pengelly criticised Ms O’Neill in a social media post.
“Tomorrow we have an opportunity and offer to meet with the Secretary of State and the Chief Secretary of the Treasury on budget and she has refused to attend that meeting,” she wrote.
“This is not responsibility, that is recklessness and an abdication of her role.”
In response, Sinn Féin said there had been no agreement at the Stormont Executive for a joint First Minister and deputy First Minister meeting with the UK Government.
“Today’s meeting was/is party leaders – Sinn Féin is meeting the SoS (Sir Chris) at 12.30,” the party said in a statement.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has urged the parties to step forward and set a budget (PA)
PA Wire
“FM has met SoS on many occasions – is in constant, direct contact.
“The DUP are deflecting.
“There are attempts to find a suitable time for the other meeting with the CST (Ms Reynolds) and SOS.”
The Prime Minister has pressed Northern Ireland’s ministers to agree a devolved budget, insisting the onus cannot always be on the UK Government to resolve Stormont’s financial problems.
Andy Burnham told MPs in the House of Commons on Wednesday that he had spoken to the Stormont parties on a recent visit to Northern Ireland and had subsequently found more money despite a “very difficult situation” in terms of the UK’s overall public finances.
He added: “I found extra money and there comes a point where people have to work together to set a budget.
“It can’t always be our responsibility. We stepped forward and I ask all parties in Northern Ireland to do the same – set a budget and get Stormont functioning as it should.”