British Secretary of State James Brokenshire faces the media as parties fail to reach agreement
THE North of Ireland could face direct rule, or another election if no agreement is reached by early May, the Secretary of State has warned.
Parties at Stormont have yet to strike a deal to form an executive almost six weeks after the Assembly election.
Issues over legacy, equality and the Irish Language Act remain stumbling blocks between Sinn Fein and the DUP.
SoS James Brokenshire said discussions would “pause” for Easter.
He said: “If no executive is formed by early May, I will need to take further steps to ensure Northern Ireland has the political stability it needs.
“This is likely to mean, however undesirable, either a second election or a return to decision making from Westminster.”
