Alliance leader Naomi Long said that without more flexibility and goodwill "we are going to struggle to make it to the next election".

She said the institutions were always in a precarious position adding "it's a possibility" that the institutions could collapse because either big party can walk away.

"Everyone needs to take a step back and deep breath. Focus on the next 10 months on what we can deliver."

Diane Armstrong of the Ulster Unionist Party said she believes the only way forward is the stability of the Northern Ireland institutions.

She said the difference between the DUP and her party was "we want to make reform work".

She called on the first and deputy first ministers and their parties "to agree to reform to make Northern Ireland work".

Leader of the opposition at Stormont the SDLP's Matthew O'Toole said his party had a "constructive" conversation with the secretary of state but described Stormont finances as being in a "crisis".

He said: "There are questions over how this place is funded by the UK government".

He added that Bryant and the executive parties "need to get to work" to agree a budget.

Sir Chris has been visiting Northern Ireland on Friday for a series of engagements, which included meeting the political parties at Hillsborough Castle.

It was his first visit since he was appointed to the job following Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Cabinet reshuffle earlier this month.