What happens after polls close...

Ballot Box
Published 7th Jun 2017

As Northern Ireland prepares for the General Election, DAMIEN EDGAR, looks at what could happen here once the polls close.

While the focus for the last few weeks has been on Westminster once these results are known attention will return to Stormont.

Political leaders have another short window to get the institutions up and running.

The latest cut off point is June 29 and that could well be the final deadline.

Northern Ireland has been without ministers in charge of departments since March.

Key decisions are building up including ones surrounding the Budget.

That means the Secretary of State could be forced to step in with some form of direct rule if there is no agreement.