Politics

Leo Varadkar: Many pregnancies shorter than powersharing crisis

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar arrives for an EU summit in Brussels. Picture by Olivier Matthys, Associated Press
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar arrives for an EU summit in Brussels. Picture by Olivier Matthys, Associated Press Taoiseach Leo Varadkar arrives for an EU summit in Brussels. Picture by Olivier Matthys, Associated Press

THE Taoiseach has expressed frustration at the length of time the powersharing crisis has lasted in Northern Ireland, pointing out that many pregnancies are shorter.

With the DUP and Sinn Féin still at loggerheads over a return to devolved government, Leo Varadkar urged them "do what's best for the people" and get back into government.

He voiced his concerns about the lengthy impasse as he attended the European Council summit in Brussels.

"The Northern Ireland parties are now up to nine months - you can bear a child in less time," he said afterwards.

With four deadlines missed, Secretary of State James Brokenshire has now said October 30 is the latest cut-off point for a deal.

Meanwhile, DUP leader Arlene Foster told a business event in Ballyclare, Co Antrim, it was "disappointing" the north was still without a ruling executive.

"A mere 18 months ago Martin McGuinness and I were issuing statements that the 2016-2021 term was about getting down to business," she said.

"It was to be the term of greatest delivery by an executive - on health, education and jobs.

"It is time to get back to that vision and commitment."