Time running out for Northern Ireland's devolved government
Theresa May speaks to Martin McGuinness and Arlene Foster in an attempt to encourage a resolution to the Northern Ireland crisis.
Monday 16 January 2017 13:55, UK
Theresa May has phoned the former Deputy First Minister and First Minister of Northern Ireland to urge them to pull the devolved government back from the brink of collapse.
Sinn Fein has until 5pm today to nominate someone to succeed Martin McGuinness as Deputy First Minister after he resigned.
If the party refuses to do so, the Stormont Executive will cease to exist, forcing the British government to call an election.
A Downing Street spokesman said Theresa May had spoken to Mr McGuinness and former First Minister Arlene Foster to urge them to find a resolution ahead of the deadline.
A spokeswoman for Mrs May said it was important to find a way forward so that Northern Ireland could have a voice on Brexit.
Mrs May could face a legal challenge if she attempts to trigger Article 50 without a devolved government in place in Northern Ireland.
If parties refuse to resume power-sharing after any election, the British government may have to reinstate direct rule from Westminster.
For 10 years, the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Fein have had a power-sharing arrangement in Northern Ireland.
But growing tensions between the two parties reached breaking point over a botched renewable energy scheme, which could cost taxpayers £500m.
Sinn Fein had demanded that DUP leader Arlene Foster step aside as First Minister during an investigation into the scheme, which was launched when she was Enterprise Minister.
When she refused to stand down, Mr McGuinness resigned as Deputy First Minister, bringing down their joint office.
With the deadline for any breakthrough fast approaching, people walking in Belfast's Titanic Quarter expressed frustration.
"We’ve no confidence in the politicians at all here," said one woman, "they just don't seem to do anything for the people."
"They’re getting a fortune compared to the average wage," added one man.
He continued: "They’re not living up to it. If they were in a job, they’d be gone a long time ago. It’s not a job, is it?"