Q Radio News
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has urged DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to nominate a deputy first minister to allow resumption of fully functioning devolved government.
Mr Lewis was speaking hours after the conclusion of a Stormont election which saw an historic victory for Sinn Fein to become the largest party and win the entitlement to nominate a first minister.
The US and Irish administrations have also urged parties to take the necessary steps to re-establish a power-sharing executive.
Sir Jeffrey has called for action on the Northern Ireland Protocol before re-entering the executive.
Mr Lewis restated his position that the Government would like to reach agreement with the EU over resolving issues with the protocol, but said nothing has been taken off the table.
He urged Sir Jeffrey to nominate a deputy first minister to get devolved government fully working again.
The executive has been unable to fully function since February when the former first minister Paul Givan resigned as part of the DUP’s call for action against the protocol.
Bluetongue restrictions in Northern Ireland will be relaxed from Friday
Conviction led to safeguarding review at Presbyterian Church
Coroner vows to keep Noah Donohoe inquest ‘on track’ for January start date
Appeal to European Court being considered after ruling over Troubles disclosures
Executive agrees to set aside £119m for PSNI data breach payouts