Negotiations will resume today to resolve a stalemate in the Stormont Assembly.
The row erupted last week after Sinn Féin withdrew party support for reform plans to the North's welfare system, saying that the Democratic Unionist Party had acted in bad faith by limiting support for those losing out due to UK welfare reforms.
Sinn Féin and the DUP, partners in the executive, have accused each other of bad faith.
The disagreement, which has yet to be resolved, has profound implications for the Northern Irish budget and for power sharing in Stormont. Both the British and Irish governments have expressed concern over the latest crisis.
It prompted the First and Deputy First Ministers to cancel their St Patrick's Day visits to the US. They are expected to meet today.
Martin McGuinness released a statement explaining his change of plans:
"The Sinn Féin team and I have engaged in this work positively and constructively. Progress has been made in talks between the parties but there is still a lot of work to be done.
"I have decided to focus on finding a resolution and will therefore not be travelling to the US to take part in events marking St Patrick's Day," he added.
Peter Robinson explained his decision on Twitter:
White House agree priority is to maintain momentum in finding a resolution to welfare issue. Best to be in Northern Ireland dealing with it.
— Peter Robinson (@DUPleader) March 15, 2015
Belfast based reporter Alan Murray told Newstalk Breakfast that work is continuing behind the scenes:
