UK govt looking to put 'fresh impetus in Stormont talks' - Brokenshire
The NI Secretary of State has said he is examining ways to put fresh impetus into the stalled talks process at Stormont.
James Brokenshire said he was focussing on how best to approach the talks when they resume again at the end of summer.
The most recent iteration of discussions ended once more in stalemate and there have been calls for changes to the way the process is conducted.
Mr Brokenshire was speaking on his visit to Washington.
"We are thinking carefully about how we can best support and create the right climate and context to get that positive outcome that I think people in Northern Ireland want to see, which is that executive getting back into position, having locally elected politicians doing the job they have been voted to do," he said.
"We need to think carefully because we have made progress and it is important to underline that issues have been narrowed.
"There are always risks around doing something different - as to whether that unpicks or undermines the progress that has already been achieved - but we are thinking carefully and thoughtfully as to what the next steps might need to be, how best to encourage that spirit of compromise and resolution.
"We are quietly doing that now."