Northern Ireland a step closer to direct rule

The prospect of direct rule of Northern Ireland by London moved a step closer after Sinn Fein said the talks process aimed at restoring devolution had “run its course”.

The republican party will not be nominating a deputy first minister today, according to Michelle O’Neill, the party leader at Stormont, triggering another crisis.

Today is the deadline for nominating a first and deputy first minister at Stormont, or else the Government is obliged to intervene.

Northern Ireland watchers said that direct rule was likely to be imposed within a month.