So what now for future of Stormont?
Talks to restore devolution get under way later today
As the focus of political attention continues to centre on Westminster, Downtown & Cool FM Political Correspondent, JORDAN MOATES asks what now for Stormont?
Talks to restore devolution are set to get under way again today after a pause during the General Election campaign.
Secretary of State James Brokenshire, who has been re-appointed in that role after yesterday’s Cabinet reshuffle, has warned if there is no agreement by the end of the month then the power to make decisions will pass to others.
That is a shorthand way of saying some form of Direct Rule.
It would be safe to say today’s discussions will centre on the fall-out from last week’s General Election and concerns about the DUPs influence over the Conservatives in this process.
Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly says the impartiality of the Tories will be in the spotlight
He said: “Theresa my needs to read the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrew’s Agreement and realise what duties she has.”
These concerns are coming from all corners with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny also warning the PM not to put the Good Friday Agreement at risk
Meanwhile, DUP leader Arlene Foster is due to meet with the Prime Minister tomorrow.
The reality facing Theresa May is that after the weekend she is still waiting to secure a deal with the DUP to prop up her minority government.
I am sure she would have wanted it all signed sealed and delivered by now, and at one point it did look like the case
However, this could be a case of the DUP flexing its muscles and reminding the Prime Minister who really needs who.
Professor Jon Tonge from the University of Liverpool says the DUP usually gets what it wants
“It doesn’t matter how long it takes and how patient people have to be,” he said. “The DUP are some of the toughest negotiators in the world.
“They’ve been there, done it and they are quite capable, frankly, of running rings around a weakened Conservative administration.”
There is no doubt these are interesting times, but the DUP will have to ensure it uses its influence to deliver Northern Ireland or else it could face a backlash at the polls.