SINN Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) remained on a collision course that potentially threatens to bring down the Stormont Assembly.In recent months the two largest parties in the Stormont Executive have been involved in intense negotiations linked to the transfer of policing and justice powers and legislation to protect the Irish language.It had been hoped that an agreement between the two parties could mean the establishment of a justice department in the autumn.With Sinn Fein and the DUP deadlocked on the issue it had been speculated that both parties could agree on a compromise, with the Alliance Party taking up the post as the new justice minister.However, hopes of a political breakthrough were dealt a serious blow this week with the eruption of a public row between Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and DUP leader Peter Robinson.Last week it was revealed that the ruling Stormont Executive had not met together for more than a month.The political crisis was further deepened when it was revealed that Robinson was going on holiday and would be unavailable for any Executive meeting in the coming weeks.The first public signs of the political split came when Adams claimed the power-sharing Executive was being put in jeopardy by the DUP's refusal to engage with Republicans over outstanding issues such as policing and justice."Sinn Fein wants to see progress; we want the political institutions to be working effectively and delivering for all of our people," Adams said. "People expect the Executive and the institutions to be dealing with these matters but this can only happen on the basis of partnership government."That is Sinn Fein and the DUP, and the other parties, working together constructively within the Executive and institutions. "There are those within the DUP who are opposed to this. They seek to advance narrow issues of concern only to themselves while they block matters of concern to others as well as issues which are in the common good. However, the DUP leader hit back, insisting that it was Republicans who were to blame for the political impasse."Sinn Fein just doesn't seem to get it," he said. "Progress is made and agreements are reached when both sides are content. "Adams seems to think that it is the role of everyone to move to his position. That just will not happen. "The DUP will continue talking until conditions are right for Unionists. "As far as Executive business is concerned it is Sinn Fein who is obstructing progress." Accusing Sinn Fein of deliberately blocking the Executive from operating effectively, Robinson added, "Sinn Fein should get on with it and stop dragging their feet. "The legal responsibility and duty we have to govern should not be withheld because Republicans want to use it to advance their political agenda."If even at this late stage Sinn Fein clear sufficient papers for an Executive meeting to be held I am happy to break into my holiday to be present at that Executive meeting."