Latest: Taoiseach stresses need to restore powersharing amid Brexit talks

Update 5.20pm: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he and Theresa May are prepared to get directly involved in the Stormont talks, stressing the need for devolution ahead of crucial Brexit negotiations.

Update 5.20pm: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he and Theresa May are prepared to get directly involved in the Stormont talks, stressing the need for devolution ahead of crucial Brexit negotiations.

Taoiseach Mr Varadkar said the restoration of a powersharing government in Northern Ireland was necessary to try and achieve the best outcome for the island of Ireland after the UK leaves the European Union.