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Direct rule imminent as Brokenshire's deadline passes with no deal

Almost a fortnight ago, secretary of state James Brokenshire gave politicians until today to reach agreement on the formation of a new executive. Picture by Niall Carson, PA Wire
Almost a fortnight ago, secretary of state James Brokenshire gave politicians until today to reach agreement on the formation of a new executive. Picture by Niall Carson, PA Wire Almost a fortnight ago, secretary of state James Brokenshire gave politicians until today to reach agreement on the formation of a new executive. Picture by Niall Carson, PA Wire

EFFORTS to reach a deal to restore devolution are due to resume at Stormont today although hopes of a breakthrough appear to be increasingly slim.

Talks between Sinn Féin and the DUP on Friday ended with no agreement.

If a deal is not reached this week Secretary of State James Brokenshire will press ahead with legislation to approve a budget for Northern Ireland.

The north has been without a power-sharing government since January when the institutions collapsed.

Despite endless rounds of discussions, a deal to restore power-sharing has proved elusive with the introduction of an Irish language act seen as one of the main sticking points.

As the latest deadline loomed yesterday, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said that direct rule must not be the automatic or the only fall-back option.

"We now find ourselves hours away from a Tory/DUP government in Westminster, gifting Arlene Foster and Theresa May a blank cheque over all of our futures," he said.

"In the absence of an Executive and Assembly, giving representation to the North’s two traditions falls on both the Irish and British governments. That balance is the basis of all our political agreements and it is the accommodation we all signed up to.

"Maintaining that balance means that the alternative to direct rule is the joint stewardship of the North by the two governments."

Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday Politics, Ulster Unionist MLA Steve Aiken reiterated support for the option mooted by party leader Robin Swann last week of a voluntary coalition.

"Let's be honest about it, we are already heading towards direct rule, that is very clear," he said.

"Whether it is light, hard, or whatever it happens to be, we are moving very steadily in that direction.

"We have been talking all the time for the last nine months, we are saying we need to move on. Let's look at something differently, let's look at a voluntary coalition."

Alliance MLA Stephen Farry, said alternatives to direct rule should be explored.

"Before we get to direct rule there are other options, we have been talking to the secretary of state about those over the past weeks, other parties have as well," he said.

"It is important we open up this process and try other approaches before we lose sight of devolution, because it is far better for our society."

James Brokenshire is expected to press forward with legislating a budget for the north if a last-gasp deal cannot be reached.