Stormont talks suspended until after Easter

Talks aimed at restoring power-sharing devolution at Stormont have been suspended until after the Easter holidays.

The decision was made by Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire on Wednesday as a deal looked unlikely to be reached.

The parties remain at odds on a number of key issues, despite the efforts to negotiate a deal.

In a statement, Mr Brokenshire said that, while “some further progress has been made”, there was still a lack of agreement on a “small but significant” number of issues.

He added that failure to form an Executive by early May would mean either another election or a return to direct rule.

“On 2 March, the people of Northern Ireland voted clearly for devolved government,” Mr Brokenshire said.

“The parties mandated by that election still have a duty to provide the government for which they campaigned.

“I believe that the outstanding issues between the parties are surmountable, but if no Executive is formed by early May, I will need to take further steps to ensure Northern Ireland has the political stability it needs.

“This is likely to mean, however undesirable, either a second election or a return to decision making from Westminster.”