There will be "no breakthrough" on an agreement to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland ahead of the 4pm deadline, according to a senior member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Edwin Poots said a scheduled assembly to nominate new ministers to the Northern Irish Assembly had been cancelled.
If the parties do not reach a deal Northern Ireland faces the possibility of direct rule from Westminster.
Sinn Fein said it was "make your mind up time for the DUP (Democratic Unionist Party)".
The parties are deadlocked over nationalist demands for an Irish language act, which is opposed by the DUP.
A so-called hybrid model which would also cover the Ulster-Scots language has been proposed as an alternative would have been be accepted by Sinn Fein for progress to be made.
If a deal cannot be struck, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire could give Westminister a greater say in making decisions in Northern Ireland.
Alternatively, he has the option of calling another assembly election or giving the parties more time to negotiate.
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