British Government call halt to talks

The British Government today said that talks with the DUP had reached an end point. It is now decision time for the DUP.

The DUP has blocked the operation of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement for two years. This has left the people of the north without a government.

Today in a meeting with party leaders, the British Government made a final financial offer in the event of a government being formed.

They also stated that their negotiations with DUP on issues around the application of post Brexit trading relations had ended.

Following the meeting the British appointed Secretary of State held a press conference in which he made clear that the timing for talking was up and it was now time for a decision.

Sinn Féin Vice President.

First Minister Elect, Michelle O’Neill said, “It is decision time for the DUP. The endless two-way negotiation between the DUP and British Government is now concluded, and clarity has been brought to this matter today by London.

"It is time to move forward and form an Executive.

"People deserve Government, and public sector workers deserve fair pay.

There is no alternative to power-sharing on the basis of equality.”

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said, "It is decision time for the DUP.

"The endless two-way negotiation between the DUP and British Government is now concluded, and clarity has been brought to this matter today by London.

"It is time to move forward and form an Executive."