SoS: 'Window of opportunity for power-sharing closing'

The Secretary of State has warned if Northern Ireland remains without an Executive, pressure on the NHS here could force the UK government to intervene.

Leaders of the political parties were in agreement of the need for devolution as they met James Brokenshire on Monday, with Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill claiming a deal could be done within days.

Her DUP counterpart Arlene Foster, meanwhile, said talks could not be prolonged.

With important budgetary decisions looming, Mr Brokenshire said he could be forced to pass a budget at Westminster as public services suffer.

He said, "I cannot ignore the growing concern in the wider community here about the impact that the current political impasse is having on the local economy and on the delivery of key public services."

It has been seven months since Stormont ministers took decisions and political negotiations were paused over the summer.

Health trusts recently had to go to the public with a consultation on £70 million of cuts.

Mr Brokenshire said, "The window of opportunity to restore devolution and to form an executive is closing rapidly as we move further into the autumn.

"With pressures on public services already evident, most particularly in the health service, the need for intervention is becoming increasingly clear.

"The UK Government has a duty to the people of Northern Ireland to provide political stability and certainty.

"If this political impasse continues I will be forced to legislate in Westminster for a budget for Northern Ireland and consider next steps.

"I don't want to have to take this action."

Outstanding issues in dispute between the parties include legal protection for the Irish language and dealing with violence from Northern Ireland's past.