Sinn Fein Will Not Nominate New Deputy First Minister

Sinn Fein will not be nominating a new deputy first minister today, 27 March.

The party said the talks to form a new power-sharing Executive had "run its course" and the British Government has "refused to honour its responsibilities".

The deadline expired at 4pm today, 27 March.

NI Secretary of State James Brokenshire must now decide the way forward with options including further talks, another election or direct rule.

Speaking at Stormont Castle, Sinn Fein leader Michelle O'Neil said: "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."

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said the failure to reach a deal is a "bitter disappointment",

He said: "The clear message from the public after this month's election was an extreme frustration with the way government worked. After weeks of talks, the DUP clearly hasn't got that message. 

"This wasn't just about RHI, it was about the way people and communities were treated, it was about a respect deficit, it was about an absence of equality. Those who are responsible for creating that poisoned political atmosphere must address it in word and action. 

"There was, and remains, a mandate for creative compromise to form a government. But those who came to the ballot box earlier this month will now be very angry and they are right to be. Their frustration at the failure here cannot be underestimated and it cannot be easily assuaged through more elections.

"We have reached common ground over the last few weeks. But rigid opposition to compromise on key issues, particularly from the DUP, has made a comprehensive resolution more difficult to reach. Our common ground should not be scorched to serve the interests of one party.

"The Secretary of State must immediately create space for all parties to refresh their outlook on the challenges we face and reach a positive accommodation that allows a restoration of power sharing."

UUP MP Tom Elliott said: "The promises of no return to the status quo have been proven empty by a talks 'process' that lacked any structure and had not seen a round table discussion between the five parties as the deadline loomed. It was a clear indication that the bigger parties are even more dismissive of the smaller ones than ever, and demonstrates their inability to move away from their old ways.

"Unless there is a massive u-turn in terms of attitude from the two largest parties, then Northern Ireland could be in for a period of prolonged drift.

"I understand the Secretary of State took the attitude that the blockages to progress were devolved matters and therefore allowed the DUP and Sinn Féin to take the lead, with the Government offering support. It looks like HM Government will have to take the lead and that is a further indictment of the lead parties at Stormont."

(CD/LM)