THE Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has refused to reveal what may happen if the Stormont executive collapses as a result of the present political crisis.
As speculation mounts that the DUP could pull the plug on the devolved institutions, officials at the British government department have declined to offer information about the potential scenarios that may emerge.
It has been suggested in some quarters that an election would follow First Minister Peter Robinson's resignation. However, it is also possible the NIO would ensure the Stormont institutions made a soft landing and avoided a rush to the polls.
Most, if not all parties, are reluctant to begin electioneering nearly two years ahead of the scheduled assembly elections in May 2016.
But the NIO has refused to out-line what may happen if Stormont collapses. Asked by The Irish News under what circumstances an election would we called, an NIO spokesman responded several hours later with an internet link to the hefty Northern Ireland Act 1998.
The spokesman said the office did not answer hypothetical questions.