Sinn Féin will meet the British Secretary of State, Chris Bryant, on proposals to reform Stormont as the Assembly returns from its summer recess. The party's chief whip, South Down MLA Sinéad Ennis, said no party should be able to block the formation of an Executive or the election of a Speaker.

In advance of the talks, Sinéad Ennis said: "Institutional reform can improve transparency, stability and accountability."

She continued: "Earlier this year, Sinn Féin launched reform proposals that would build better politics including bringing an end to one party's ability to block the formation of the Executive and appointment of the Speaker. "We will discuss these with the British Secretary of State and other parties as we consider how the Executive can deliver better and increase political stability."

She said: "The institutions have made some progress, but at times through vetoes, blockages or collapse delivery has been frustrated.

"Sinn Féin believes power-sharing should evolve while protecting the core principles of the Good Friday Agreement.

"Reform alone cannot undo the history of British underfunding and austerity or overcome the reality that some parties are fundamentally opposed to power sharing and partnership.

"Ultimately, Sinn Féin believes the best future of this island lies in a new and united Ireland."