THE North is facing fresh snap elections as the talks at Stormont have broken down without agreement.
If no deal is reached by 4 pm today, it is to British Secretary of State James Brokenshire to either revert to direct rule from London or call for new elections in June.
Speaking in Belfast following the collapse on Sunday, Sinn Féin leader Michelle O’Neill said:
“This talks process has run its course. Sinn Féin will not be supporting nominations for Speaker or the Executive tomorrow.
“When the extent of the RHI scandal became apparent and the First Minister refused to step aside, Martin McGuinness acted and made clear there could be no return to the status quo.
“The decision by Martin McGuinness to resign was endorsed in the election.
“The election result has transformed the political landscape. The approach of the unionist parties and the governments must reflect this change.
“We entered talks to implement what had already been agreed, to rebuild public confidence in an Executive and Assembly, operating on the basis of equality and respect and rights for all in society.
“This was an entirely reasonable approach.
“Sinn Féin in the talks sought the full implementation of the outstanding issues of equality and rights. The governments and the DUP have failed to step up to the plate.
“The British Government has refused to honour its responsibilities. Their objective has not been truth and healing but continued cover-up of their actions in Ireland.
“They have also set aside the democratic wishes of the people and are intent on imposing Brexit and continued austerity.
“Sinn Féin is still intent on honouring our mandate and agreements made. We want to see the institutions restored but when we said there will be no return to the status quo we meant it.”
