New deadline set as PM and Clinton discuss deadlock,
JANUARY 9
A terminally ill Martin McGuinness resigns as Deputy First Minister in protest at the DUP’s handling of the RHI scandal. His resignation triggers the collapse of the Assembly and Executive.
FEBRUARY 6
Arlene Foster declares that she will never agree to an Irish Language Act. “If you feed a crocodile, it will keep coming back for more,” she says.
MARCH 2
Assembly elections bring significant gains for Sinn Fein giving them 27 seats to the DUP’s 28.
MARCH 6
Secretary of State James Brokenshire calls the parties together for talks.
MARCH 27
The deadline for formation of a new executive passes without agreement.
APRIL 18
Another talks deadline passes without agreement.
JUNE 8
The Westminster election brings gains for Sinn Fein but especially the DUP whose 10 MPs hold the balance of power at Westminster. The DUP agrees a confidence and supply deal with the Tories.
JUNE 29
Yet another talks deadline passes but the date for agreement is extended.
AUGUST 31
Arlene Foster says the
Irish language is no threat to union and offers a compromise proposal which is immediately rejected by Sinn Fein.
SEPTEMBER 24
Gerry Adams insists his party does want a deal at Stormont.
OCTOBER 3
Ms O’Neill and Mrs Foster clash over whether Northern Ireland is Irish or British at the Tory conference.
OCTOBER 17
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says the DUP and Sinn Fein are no longer close to a deal.
OCTOBER 18
Ms O’Neill denies reports she was over-ruled on a deal by senior party figures as Mr Brokenshire sets a new talks deadline.
OCTOBER 30
Legislation for a budget must begin this week.
NOVEMBER 6
An Executive must be formed this week in order for a budget to be passed.
NOVEMBER 7
The RHI inquiry is set to open.