UK Government holding up justice for victim's families: Michelle O'Neill

By Deborah McAleece

Sinn Fein has accused the British Government of "holding up" justice for families whose loved ones were killed during the Troubles.

The party's Northern Ireland leader Michelle O'Neill said funding for legacy inquests is a key issue for Sinn Fein as part of its negotiations into the restoration of the powersharing executive.

Sinn Fein said it broke off its meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire on Tuesday because all he did was "waffle, waffle, and more waffle".

Ms O'Neill claimed he had still not agreed to release funds for legacy inquests.

Following a meeting with Irish foreign minister Charlie Flanagan at Stormont, Ms O'Neill said: "It is a time for strong political leadership and delivery.

"The British Government is holding up access to due process for families. They are key players in this. They need to step up to the plate."

Mr Flanagan arrived in Belfast to join political talks aimed at restoring the Stormont institutions.

He is meeting Mr Brokenshire and some of the parties.

As he arrived at Stormont Castle, he said: "This is a very important opportunity to restore the powersharing institutions in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement.

"We are operating under a very strict time frame.

"I detect a willingness on the part of all the parties involved to sit down and engage constructively."

The recent election ended the unionist majority at Stormont, with Sinn Fein now just one seat behind the DUP.

Sinn Fein and the DUP have three weeks to reach a deal and if a government cannot be formed within that time, then, under law, another election can be called.

If no powersharing government is formed, power could return to the UK Parliament at Westminster for the first time in a decade.