Northern Ireland edges towards direct rule from London after power-sharing talks collapse

Last-minute talks to save the power-sharing assembly in Northern Ireland have collapsed, precipitating a very uncertain future for the north.

Sinn Féin announced that they wouldn't be naming a new executive at Stormont in a statement on Sunday, after the DUP refused to play any role in today's negotiations — citing their religious belief that no work should be conducted on Sunday. Journalist Siobhan Fenton reports that Northern Ireland now faces either its third parliamentary election in 12 months, or it will face direct rule from Westminster. Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan released a statement following the collapse of talks urging all parties to return to the table and "re-engage on the few outstanding issues that divide them." Mr. Flanagan also expressed the "strong wish" of the Irish government to see the power-sharing arrangement restored in Stormont. https://twitter.com/SiobhanFenton/status/846056880258600960 https://twitter.com/siobhanfenton/status/846057366319706112 Flanagan also warned that this is "a critical time for Northern Ireland," and that the north could possibly enter Brexit without a functioning government. https://twitter.com/SiobhanFenton/status/846061471327047680