Paul Murphy has signalled that elections to the Northern Ireland assembly could be held within weeks.

Asked whether the possibility of a poll this year remained open, the secretary of state said: "I sincerely hope there is. That's what we're aiming for.

"As well as the assembly we want to see the government executive in Northern Ireland so that I can relinquish my direct rule duties and hand over to local ministers."

The upbeat assessment came amid predictions that the IRA may finally be set to announce total disarmament.