Clinton urges NI politicians to form interim government

Hillary Clinton received an honorary degree from Queen's University Belfast. Credit: Pacemaker

Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has urged Northern Ireland'spoliticians to "put their quarrels aside" and form an interim government.

Power-sharing government in the region has been collapsed since January 2017, following a breakdown of relations between the DUP and Sinn Féin.

Several rounds of talks aimed at restoring the institutions have failed.

Mrs Clinton has now urged that an interim government be formed to steerNorthern Ireland through the UK's exit from the European Union.

The former US presidential candidate made the call to a high-powered audience, which included former first minister Peter Robinson and Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill.

"The policy disagreements dividing your political parties are deeply felt butthe stakes of the Brexit process go way beyond politics as usual," she said.

Back in 2016, Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness wrote a joint letter toPrime Minister May about their Brexit priorities and concerns.

"Imagine a functional executive that speaks for all the people of NorthernIreland, weighing in on the final negotiations and implementation of whatever plan emerges," said Mrs Clinton.

"Imagine an Executive reassuring companies and investors already skittishabout Brexit, sending a clear message that no matter what happens, Northern Ireland is open for business."

The former US presidential candidate was at the Queen's University, Belfast to receive an honorary degree.

Mrs Clinton first visited Northern Ireland in 1995 at a crucial time for thepeace process.

She accompanied Bill Clinton as he became the first serving US president to visit Northern Ireland and they were greeted by huge crowds of well-wishers.

"We need that, that symbol, that reality now more than ever."

Ms Clinton concluded her remarks by saying Northern Ireland will remain in her prayers.

"Peace not paralysis, you deserve that better future, you always have," MrsClinton told the Belfast audience.

"I will pray and trust that it comes to pass. I and many of us in the UnitedStates will never stop standing with you, and cheering you on this journey."

Earlier in the ceremony, Mrs Clinton welcomed a new scholarship in her name which was announced by Queen's Pro Vice Chancellor Adrienne Scullion.

The Hillary Rodham Clinton scholarship will be available for post-graduatestudy in politics, human rights and peace building.

A small number of protesters, including People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll, gathered outside the university's grounds.

Some of the protesters are carrying placards reading, "no honours for war criminals".