O'Neill: "Stormont talks have run their course"

Ms O'Neill made the statement on Sunday, implying that it was unlikely a deal to form an Executive by the Monday 4pm could be reached.

This talks process has run its course. Sinn Féin will not be supporting nominations for Speaker or the Executive tomorrow," she said.

“When the extent of the RHI scandal became apparent and the First Minister refused to step aside, Martin McGuinness acted and made clear there could be no return to the status quo.

“The decision by Martin McGuinness to resign was endorsed in the election.

"The election result has transformed the political landscape. The approach of the unionist parties and the governments must reflect this change.

“We entered talks to implement what had already been agreed, to rebuild public confidence in an Executive and Assembly, operating on the basis of equality and respect and rights for all in society.

“This was an entirely reasonable approach.

“Sinn Féin in the talks sought the full implementation of the outstanding issues of equality and rights. The governments and the DUP have failed to step up to the plate.

“The British Government has refused to honour its responsibilities. Their objective has not been truth and healing but continued cover-up of their actions in Ireland.

“They have also set aside the democratic wishes of the people and are intent on imposing Brexit and continued austerity.

“Sinn Féin is still intent on honouring our mandate and agreements made. We want to see the institutions restored but when we said there will be no return to the status quo we meant it.”

The Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams also claimed on Sunday there has been "no substantive progress" in talks at Stormont.

The parties have until 4pm on Monday to come to an agreement surrounding a new Executive.

However, Mr Adams is blaming the DUP for the current deadlock.

“Unionism is at a crossroads," he said.

"The DUP needs to decide whether and when it will rise to the challenges of this time and work in genuine partnership with nationalists and republicans, and all sections of our society, on the basis of equality and respect. For everyone.

“Regrettably, thus far in the talks process there has been no substantive progress across all of the key issues that are at the core of the current impasse."

“Martin McGuinness set the tone for the current phase of negotiations when he said that there can be no return to the status quo.

“The DUP’s approach thus far has been to engage in a minimalist way on all of the key issues, including legacy issues; an Irish Language Act; a Bill of Rights; and marriage equality.

“They have been reinforced in this by the British Government’s stance. This is unacceptable and a matter of grave concern.