DUP leader Arlene Foster

After talks aimed at salvaging devolution collapsed last Wednesday, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald claimed the two parties had reached a draft agreement – which included an Irish language act – but that the DUP had been unable to close the deal.

The DUP has denied a draft deal had been in place.

Journalist Broadcaster Eamonn Mallie yesterday published 13 pages of a draft document on his website.

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Mr Maille said: “This website has definitive proof that on Friday evening February 9, named senior Sinn Fein and DUP personnel were corresponding​ under the heading ‘Draft Agreement Text’.”

Explaining the contents of the document, he added: “On page 5 under the heading: Respecting Languages and Culture, there is specific reference to the Irish ( Respecting Language and Diversity) Bill and the Ulster Scots ( Respecting Language and Diversity) Bill and a Respecting Language and Diversity Bill.

“It has to be stated that square brackets obtain in this eight-line paragraph - meaning it had not yet been signed off and agreed.”