Northern Ireland is once again on the brink following the well-trailed resignation of David Trimble as first minister.

His resignation comes ahead of a crucial week for the peace process, which sees the SDLP backing moves to expel Sinn Fein from the executive unless the IRA makes substantial progress on decommissioning.

Trimble will today formally tell the Northern Ireland Assembly of the reasoning for his resignation although many predict that the "Houdini" of politics in the province will be back.

He will be temporarily replaced by his Ulster Unionist colleague Sir Reg Empey.

A new report from John de Chastelain's decommissioning inquiry is expected to say today that no progress on arms has been made and the latest parades commission ruling on the controversial Drumcree march will also be made public.

The next six weeks will see intense negotiations before the government must finally suspend the executive.