Sinn Fein will crank up the pressure on Northern Ireland's power-sharing government if there is no deal to devolve policing and justice powers, a senior republican has signalled.
The party's National Chairman Declan Kearney stopped short of threatening the future of the Stormont administration, but accused unionists and the government of "playing fast and loose" with negotiations.
The party strategist said Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Secretary of State Shaun Woodward had failed to prevent DUP leader Peter Robinson creating obstacles to a deal.
Government has offered a package of nearly £1b to fund the transfer, but the DUP has said it will not move until community confidence in the Assembly taking-on such sensitive powers is secured.
In an article to appear in the Republican newspaper An Phoblacht on Thursday, Mr Kearney writes: "Today, unionists can exercise power in the Six Counties only if they accept partnership and equality.
"And, if the DUP can't do partnership and equality, then it won't be doing government either.
"So, Robinson does have decisions to make."
Last week it emerged that Mr Brown had agreed to provide £20m for former Royal Ulster Constabulary part time reserve officers. The republicans branded the move a side-deal to "buy-off" the DUP.
Sinn Fein has also criticised Mr Robinson for demanding that before devolution, government must scrap the Parades Commission, which rules on loyal order parades and has long been criticised by unionists.
Mr Kearney said: "The DUP and NIO (Northern Ireland Office) have played fast and loose with these negotiations.
"Their introduction of the parades precondition may not necessarily mean they are opposed to the transfer of power - although it might.
"But it demonstrates they are considering the reckless scenario of pushing transfer of powers beyond next year's Westminster election.
"And the DUP may still plan to raise new and more preconditions."
© Press Association