No world record for NI over the longest government-less period

NORTHERN Ireland is to miss out on the world record for being the place without a government for the longest period in peacetime.

It was thought that this month we would pass Belgium’s record of 541 days without an administration.

However, Guinness World Records confirmed to the BBC that the province was not even eligible for the record, as laws can still be passed at Westminster.

“While the Northern Ireland Assembly has the power to make legislation relevant to the area, it is still limited with regard to certain powers and the Westminster parliament is technically still able to pass laws for any part of the UK, meaning that Northern Ireland still has a form of government in place,” Guinness World Records told the Beeb.

The Assembly collapsed last year when the late Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness resigned in the wake of the DUP’s handling of the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal.

Subsequent attempts at restoring the institutions have proved fruitless.

Sinn Fein claimed that a resolution was close last February, before the DUP backed away from a proposed agreement — a claim that Arlene Foster’s party denies.

It has been suggested by the Irish Government that talks could resume in October, but there has been disagreement among the parties over whether plans are in place.

DUP leader Mrs Foster (left) said that she was not aware of any plans to restart negotiations.

Mrs Foster has called for Theresa May’s Government to start taking decisions for Northern Ireland, with little hope remaining of institutions here being restored.