Rev Ian Paisley's DUP has set out its proposals for restoring devolution in Northern Ireland.

The party set out its plans on Friday, a day after presenting them to Tony Blair during a Downing Street meeting.

Under the proposals, devolution could be restored before the IRA completes further acts of decommissioning.

Sinn Fein

But the party insisted that Sinn Fein should not take its place in a power-sharing executive until the disarmament process is completed.

Instead, a "corporate assembly" would take decisions on a consensual basis, with non-controversial policies approved by a majority vote.

Decisions in other areas would need the backing of a majority from both unionists and nationalists communities, or70 per cent of the whole assembly.

Way forward

Defending the plans, MP Nigel Dodds said the DUP was " dedicated to trying to find a way forward by the restoration of devolved government".

"The DUP is not the stumbling block to getting devolved government going in Northern Ireland," he added.

"The fault clearly lies with those who continue to be wedded to violence whilst playing the pretence of democracy."

With the review of the Good Friday Agreement continuing, ministers will now await the reaction of the other key parties before considering how to proceed.