Stormont talks deadline extended again

The deadline for restoring power-sharing at Stormont has been extended once again.

Politicians here now have until the end of June to reach agreement after new legislation was introduced by the Secretary of State this morning.

Published this morning, the Bill will provide for the setting of a Northern Ireland Regional Rate, enabling household bills to be issued in their usual cycle of ten monthly payments. The rate for 2017-2018 will also be increased in line with inflation

It will also remove any legal barriers to the formation of an Executive, meaning any deal reached between the parties in the coming weeks can be implemented.

In a statement James Brokenshire said it was only right to provide flexibilty in the talks process in light of the snap general election:

“Since the Northern Ireland Assembly election on 2 March our focus has been on re-establishing inclusive, devolved government.

“The forthcoming UK General Election does not change that. This Bill will therefore enable an Executive to be formed in the coming days should an agreement be reached. However, if an agreement is not possible before the General Election, it is right that we provide flexibility for an incoming Government to act in the best interests of Northern Ireland and the space for the parties to conclude a deal.

“This Bill gives the parties the legal authority to convene the assembly, appoint ministers and get on with the resumption of devolved government at any point up to 29 June. This is what the people of Northern Ireland voted for on 2 March, and should remain the focus in the weeks ahead.”

News of the extra time to reach a deal followed another day of discussions on Thursday between Stormont parties and the British and Irish governments.

After her party's meeting with Mr Brokenshire, Alliance leader Naomi Long said she did not expect fresh Assembly elections would be held on June 8 to coincide with the Westminster contest.

She said that she believed the talks process would be stretched'' instead.

She added: It would be better for people in Northern Ireland, for public services and for business confidence, to get an agreement before the general election.

However, in real terms, I have to say that looks difficult because people are never in compromising mode when it comes to any election, let alone a general election which is shaping up to be quite a polarising one.''

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood also said he expected the talks process deadline to be pushed to June.

Earlier in the day Sinn Fein accused the British Government of wanting powersharing in Northern Ireland to fail.

Michelle O'Neill, leader of the party in the region, said the prime minister did not want a Stormont executive that would stand against Brexit.

There is a growing belief out there among the wider nationalist community that the government don't want a powersharing executive to work here,'' said Ms O'Neill.

She added: They don't want an executive that is going to take a firm stand against Brexit because obviously the majority of people here voted to remain in the European Union.

So on June 8 the public will have the opportunity to have their say and they have to make their message clear to Theresa May that we are not for Brexit, we are not for a border and we are not for Tory cuts.''

Stormont's parties have yet to reach agreement on forming an executive six weeks after the assembly election.

The region's two largest parties, and former powersharing partners, the DUP and Sinn Fein, have spent weeks blaming each for the failure to restore the institutions.

Long-running rows over a proposed Irish language act and deep divisions over how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles are holding up a deal.

• Stormont talks