The devolved institutions at Stormont have been collapsed for almost two years as a result of the DUP protest against the post-Brexit trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Talks were ongoing between the UK Government and the DUP on how to change the Windsor Framework to the DUP’s satisfaction; Westminster has suggested the talks are over, with Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris saying “it is time for decisions to be made”. Senior DUP figures held discussions on Friday on potentially ending the boycott (PA)SDLP MP Claire Hanna said in response to the DUP’s meeting that Northern Ireland’s people are in a “crazy waiting room”. I think it suits ditherers to have the power to keep everybody in a holding pattern.”“This is seriously scarring Northern Ireland,” Mr Farry said of the suspension of devolved government on the same programme. “I think he will take on an increased level of powers to intervene in terms of decision making in Northern Ireland,” he said.

Source: The Herald January 21, 2024 16:51 UTC