Northern Ireland parties fail to reach deal over Stormont power-sharing
Sinn Fein says the deal is unacceptable and that its supporters "will not consent to being governed by the DUP on DUP terms".
Tuesday 4 July 2017 21:41, UK
Talks have broken down again between Northern Ireland's major political parties, leaving Stormont in political deadlock.
DUP leader Arlene Foster said she was disappointed a power-sharing deal had not been reached and suggested there would be no agreement until at least the autumn.
"We are going to keep working at it through the summer and hopefully we can come to an agreement later on in the year," she said.
"We are certainly up for an agreement, we are up for devolution."
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams responded: "The reality is that the Sinn Fein electorate will not consent to being governed by the DUP on DUP terms."
His party's demands, he added, were about equality, fairness and respect.
Mr Adams also accused Prime Minister Theresa May of allowing the DUP to block rights already given to those living elsewhere in the UK from being granted to Northern Irish citizens.
"That is not acceptable to us," he said.
MLAs have not sat in the assembly building since March, two months after the executive collapsed.
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Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said "gaps remain" between the two sides and that it was "clear" no deal would be struck soon.
He added: "All parties have, however, emphasised their desire to remain engaged and to find a way to return to and resolve these issues.
"The Government welcomes this and will do all it can to work with the parties to achieve a successful outcome. But we will not forget our responsibilities to uphold political stability and good governance in Northern Ireland.
"I will reflect carefully in the coming days on any further steps which may be required to support the continued effective provision of public services in Northern Ireland."
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Smith said it was "regrettable" the government had not successfully brokered a deal.
"For some weeks now that the political parties have felt under little pressure to come to a deal and that is why it has been frustrating that the Prime Minister has so steadfastly refused to engage properly in the talks process.
"I share the Secretary of State's hope that a deal can be done when the parties return in the Autumn, but if that hope is to materialise into a reassembled executive, the Conservative Government will need to engage with greater energy and focus."