No resolution to "Stormont Stalemate"
Our Political Correspondent Jordan Moates says there are now a number of decisions to be made by the Secretary of State.
The Stormont crisis is set to drift on through the summer as negotiations were scaled back last night after an acknowledgement by the parties there would be no deal before the autumn.
No formal suspension of the talks has been announced by the UK Govenment, however James Brokenshire will likely be forced to take control of financial matters in the coming weeks
The Secretary of State says he will be reflecting on any steps which will be required for the provision of public services, which sounds like a fancy way of saying before Westminster breaks for the summer he will have to take steps to pass a budget.
Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann is among those who would see that as another step on the path which leads to back to direct rule:
"I believe if this place goes into a period of direct rule, it will be a long time before we see a functioning, devolved Executive and Assembly back in Northern Ireland."
Another issue is what to do about MLAs pay.
They currently get around £50,000 per year. But with no Assembly and no Executive some think that should be cut as a way to push parties towards a deal.
However Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill insists there is still a job to do:
"Our MLAs are here. They are working and they will continue to work. We are very focused on wanting to make sure these institutions work.
"We are also very focused on delivering first class constituency services for all of our citizens. So, we are not shy, but in the immediate term we will keep at our work and keep doing what we do well."
So after six months of negotiations and nearly as many broken deadlines the "Stormont Stalemate" is far from resolved.