STORMONT'S first and deputy first ministers have presented a united front as they emerged from a Brexit summit in Downing Street, having stressed the need to address the north's "unique circumstances".
Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness's measured remarks contrasted with those of Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who accused Theresa May of not having a coherent strategy for the UK's withdrawal from the EU.
She said the meeting on Monday between the prime minister and devolved leaders had contained no new information and left the British government's stance "no clearer".
"I don't know any more now about the UK government's approach to the EU negotiations than I did before I went into the meeting," Ms Sturgeon said after the two-hour long talks.
She added that Mrs May should be under no illusion about her party's determination to hold a second independence referendum if the SNP felt that was in the best interest of Scotland.
Number 10 said the prime minister had told the devolved administrations she would strike a bespoke Brexit deal that works for the whole of the UK, and wanted their input in shaping a deal.
"The great union between us has been the cornerstone of our prosperity in the past - and it is absolutely vital to our success in the future," Mrs May said.
"The country is facing a negotiation of tremendous importance and it is imperative that the devolved administrations play their part in making it work."
Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones said there had been no details about what happens next in the divorce talks, and warned "time is not on our side".
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, Mrs Foster and Mr McGuinness said they emphasised the need for the Stormont executive to be fully represented in the Brexit negotiating process.
"That must mean nothing less than high level and ongoing involvement in the process on a continuing basis," the ministers said.
The statement said the two leaders were "heartened" at widespread support for their position that the north faces unique circumstances, as it is the only region of the UK with a land border with an EU state.
"It is no secret that our parties come from very different positions on Brexit, as indeed on other issues, but we are jointly determined to work together to secure the best possible arrangements and outcomes," they said.
"We have no doubt that this determination was well understood in the room today."
