NI set for Assembly election

Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire has announced that Northern Ireland will go to the polls on Thursday 2 March, following the collapse of the political institutions.

The Stormont Assembly will sit for the last time next Wednesday, 25 January, before being officially dissolved a day later.

Mr Brokenshire again expressed concerns about how divisive an election could be and stressed that all the political parties must “think about the future of Northern Ireland”.

He said: “No one should underestimate the challenge faced to the political institutions here in Northern Ireland and what is at stake.

“While it is inevitable that debate during an election period will be intense, I would strongly encourage the political parties to conduct this election with a view to the future of Northern Ireland and re-establishing a partnership government at the earliest opportunity after that poll.

“This is essential for the operation of devolved government. And this means that all must remain open to dialogue.”