Martin: Right pre-xmas poll was cancelled

THE Government was “correct” to defer a fresh Stormont election, the Taoiseach has said.

Micheal Martin added a poll in the midst of talks between the UK and EU on the Protocol would be “polarising” and lead to “deeper entrenchment”.

Legislation is set to be introduced at Westminster to push back the deadline by which an Executive must be formed.

The Government has a legal responsibility to hold a fresh election by January 19 after the DUP’S boycott meant an Executive could not be formed by

the October 28 deadline. But Secretary of State Chris Heatonharris ruled out a December election and will instead bring legislation to extend the deadline. Mr Martin said: “There has been an VIEW SOS and Micheal Martin articulated desire by the UK and the EU for a negotiated resolution of issues around the Protocol.

“It seems to make sense we would let that process take its course and hopefully lead to a resolution.

“I think the Secretary of State has taken the correct decision.”