THE deadline for power-sharing talks to restore the Stormont Executive has been extended to Monday.
Parties failed to reach a deal before the initial deadline of 4 pm today, Thursday.
However, a spokesperson for Theresa May said the parties would be given “space to continue the discussions”.
The North’s Secretary James Brokenshire will make a statement to Westminster about the future of the talks on Monday.
If no deal is reached by Monday, he could introduce direct rule from Westminster.
Mr Brokenshire could also give the parties more time to negotiate, or he has the option of calling another assembly election.