Deadline for Northern Ireland deal extended

Talks to install a new executive in Stormont have been extended until Monday after all five political parties in Northern Ireland failed to strike a deal by yesterday’s 4pm deadline.

The failure was a blow to the Tories who had been hoping for a political pact with the Democratic Unionist Party in Westminster. A crucial sticking point in the way of a deal appears to be Sinn Fein’s demand for an Irish Language Act, bestowing official protections for Irish speakers.

James Brokenshire, the Northern Ireland Secretary, said: “I believe a resolution can be found. I urge the parties to focus all of their efforts.”