A new deadline for resurrecting a powersharing Executive at Stormont is set to be fixed for February 8.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton Harris has confirmed the new deadline after the last one lapsed on January 18.
Under legislation governing the formation of a devolved administration in Belfast, the Government assumes a legal duty to call a snap Assembly election once a deadline for forming a ministerial Executive is passed.
However, in the face of a series of missed deadlines in the current powersharing impasse, the Government has repeatedly opted to pass fresh legislation to set new deadlines, rather than opting for an election.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton Harris is set to do so again tomorrow, albeit with a relatively short extension this time.
“Tomorrow I will be introducing the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill to allow for the reformation of Stormont,” he said.
“The Bill only has a single clause: to extend the period of time Stormont can legitimately come back until the 8th of February.
“I am committed to restoring devolution and significant progress has been made towards that objective. I believe that this Bill, with the constrained timescales, will be sufficient.”
The move suggests the Government remains hopeful that a settlement can be reached within the next two weeks to enable powersharing to return to Northern Ireland.
The devolved institutions at Stormont have been collapsed for almost two years as a result of a DUP boycott in protest against the post-Brexit trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Senior DUP figures held discussions on Friday amid mounting speculation that the unionist party was preparing to make a call on whether or not to accept a Government deal aimed at addressing its concerns.
Ultimately no decision was taken at that meeting, with party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson dismissing suggestions that it was a make-or-break encounter.
However, party insiders maintain that the moment for the DUP to pass final judgment on the Government’s offer is approaching.
On Monday, Sir Jeffrey said an agreement with the Government over post-Brexit trading arrangements has still not been reached.
Instead, he said he will meet the Government again this week to address remaining concerns over the Windsor Framework that governs the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Let’s Talk Loyalism’s @mooreholmes24 speaking on Good Morning Ulster making clear that unless the Irish Sea Border has been removed, there is no basis, or mandate, for a return to Stormont.
Keep Your Word. pic.twitter.com/4zm1ulsnSD
— Let’s Talk Loyalism (@TalkLoyalism) January 23, 2024
Sir Jeffrey must secure the backing of his party officers, and it is understood several of them believe the Government’s offer does not go far enough to warrant the party dropping its blockade on Stormont.
A loyalist activist group has launched a campaign calling on unionist politicians to remain out of Stormont until the so-called Irish Sea trade border has been removed.
Let’s Talk Loyalism has created a letter template for voters to send to unionist elected representatives that to return to Stormont without such a commitment would be a “dishonourable act of treachery”.
Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill said it was “decision time” for the DUP.
“People have rightly had enough of the DUPs inaction,” she said.
“They need mature and positive leadership focused on delivering for them. My message to the DUP is to work with us, get round the executive table and make a difference to people’s lives.
“Thousands of public sector workers educating our children, caring for patients in our hospitals and running our transport services are once again being forced to take industrial action for the pay rises being denied to them.
“It is time for action. Workers and their families cannot be left in the lurch any longer. The DUP leader should do the right thing and restore the democratic institutions.”
