The move is a major step towards a return to direct rule from London, which many fear would destabilize the delicate political balance in Northern Ireland. "Sinn Fein is disappointed that the last few weeks of negotiations have ended in failure," Sinn Fein's leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, told journalists. The budget move also revives the question of what role the government of the neighbouring Republic of Ireland should have in the governance of Northern Ireland if power-sharing collapses. James Brokenshire, British minister for Northern Ireland, left, and Simon Coveney, Ireland's minister for foreign affairs, have tried to assist throughout the year in getting Northern Ireland's political parties to reach consensus. Sinn Fein on Wednesday called on Ireland to play a role, saying the British and Irish governments should together "act urgently to deliver equality" in Northern Ireland.

Source: CBC News November 01, 2017 15:10 UTC