(CNN) The British government says it will reluctantly have to consider reintroducing direct rule in Northern Ireland if extended talks over the next three weeks to restore a power-sharing executive fail. In a statement to parliament Tuesday, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire expressed regret that a legal deadline to form a new coalition at Stormont passed Monday without successDespite the failure to find a solution, he said talks will continue for a short time, in hope of avoiding the alternatives. James Brokenshire says there is no appetite for another election or the return to direct rule. "But in the absence of devolved government it is ultimately for the UK government to provide for political stability and good governance. We do not want to see a return to direct rule... but should the talks fail in their objectives the government will have to consider all options."

Source: CNN March 28, 2017 13:07 UTC