Power-sharing talks to resume on Thursday

Q Newsdesk

Power-sharing talks are due to resume at Stormont this Thursday.

A fresh round of talks began earlier this month in the latest bid to get the executive back up and running.

The Executive hasn't sat for almost three years now because of a row between Sinn Fein and the DUP.

The blame was put on the DUP after parties failed to strike a deal before Christmas.

It's hoped the prospect of another election and further health strikes will help push leaders towards an agreement this time round.

RCN Members have already set further strike dates for the 8th and 10th of January and say the only thing that will stop them is achieving pay parity.

The Secretary of State Julian Smith decided not to step in to resolve the matter earlier this month - saying it's a devolved issue, best solved by a return to power-sharing.

If parties can't reach an agreement by the 13th of January then voters will have to go to the polls again for an assembly election.

Q Radio understand all of the parties will return to Stormont House on January the 2nd for discussions with both the British and Irish governments.

It's unclear what format they will take - whether it will be round table or bilateral talks.