The devolved Northern Ireland assembly is set to be suspended next Monday as the government struggles to find a way through the latest crisis in the Northern Ireland peace process.

The Northern Ireland secretary, Dr John Reid, is expected to make a statement to the Commons early next week when he uses his emergency powers to restore direct rule from London.

Tony Blair, who yesterday held talks with Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams, said: "You cannot carry on in a situation where there is not simply the perception but the reality of a dual track - paramilitary and political at the same time."

Adams said he backed the aim of "bringing an end to all of the armed groups, including the IRA" but said that suspending the assembly would be the wrong course of action.

"I'd rather the unionists didn't walk out, but if they're going to walk out then let them walk out," he said.