Transitional assembly to be elected in Stormont

A new “transitional” Assembly for Northern Ireland looks set to be elected in Stormont this morning following a day of intense negotiations between the British government and the Democratic Unionist Party.

As talks continued last night, it emerged that the Assembly — which will run until next March — is likely to be set up in transitional form at a ceremony in Stormont at 10.30am this morning, the deadline set by both governments for the first formal process in the restoration of devolution.

The DUP will also indicate that party leader, Ian Paisley, is its choice as First Minister. Sinn Féin’s party leader will be named as its choice for the Deputy First Minister role.