The latest round of talks to try and restore devolved government in Northern Ireland will start days after the general election.

Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith said the discussions have been scheduled for 16 December – four days after voters go to the polls – “whatever the situation” at Westminster.

If there is no breakthrough by 13 January, fresh assembly elections will be triggered, he added.

Power-sharing at Stormont has been collapsed for almost three years, since January 2017.

“We can’t let this run and run, we have got to get this sorted,” Mr Smith said at the Northern Ireland Conservatives’ election manifesto launch in Co Down.

“The number of issues is relatively small.

“There is a deal ready to go, my colleague [Irish deputy premier] Simon Coveney has been meeting with Sinn Fein and others this week.

“I have been continuing to meet with the parties in Northern Ireland.

“Let’s see what the election result is, but in all circumstances every party needs to get back into serious discussions that week before Christmas.”

Mr Smith said a number of outstanding issues had to be dealt with – such as a demand for an Irish language act and calls to reform the petition of concern – but none were “insurmountable”.

DUP leader Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill both indicated at the weekend that they would be willing to resume talks after the general election.

:: Listen to Campaign Unwrapped on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Spreaker

“I think we are close to getting into position where we can get Stormont back up and running,” Mr Smith said.

He said there was “no appetite” at Westminster for further legislation to extend the deadline to revive power-sharing.

The Brexit Election on Sky News – the fastest results and in-depth analysis on mobile, TV and radio.

• Watch Dermot Murnaghan live from 9pm on 12 December
• See the exit poll at 10pm
• Watch KayBurley@Breakfast election special on 13 December
• Find out what happens next in All Out Politics special from 9am with Adam Boulton

Source: Read Full Article