06/03/2017

NI Secretary To Meet With Stormont Party Leaders

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire is to meet with Stormont party leaders to discuss forming a new power-sharing Executive.

The DUP secured 28 seats and Sinn Fein took 27 seats following Thursday's election results.

Mr Brokenshire said: "This election has demonstrated the clear desire by the overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland for inclusive devolved government. I congratulate all of those who have been elected.

"Everyone now has a shared responsibility to engage intensively in the short period of time that is available to us, to ensure that a strong and stable administration is established.

"Northern Ireland has made great strides forward over the past two decades. All of us must continue the work of building a stable, peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland that works for everyone, based on the strong foundations of the Belfast Agreement and its successors."

However, Sinn Fein is objecting to Arlene Foster returning as First Minister while the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) inquiry is being carried out.

The DUP is supporting its leader and said the party will not be dictated by Sinn Fein.

The parties have three weeks to reach a deal and if a government cannot be form within that time another election will be called.

(CD)

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