The Government was taken completely by surprise by the abrupt decision of the DUP to withdraw from negotiations to restore the Northern institutions, senior sources have confirmed. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said he had spoken with Northern Secretary Karen Bradley, and would remain in close contact. “As co-guarantor of the Good Friday agreement, the UK and Irish governments have an obligation to uphold and protect the letter and spirit of the agreement. “The position of the UK government remains the same: devolved government is in the best interests of everyone in Northern Ireland and is best for the union. “With Sinn Féin never in Stormont to make Northern Ireland work this was an overdue conclusion to the present pointless talks.”

Source: The Irish Times February 14, 2018 21:00 UTC