Robinson warns of Stormont crisis over welfare deal

The Stormont House Agreement will fall if Sinn Féin pulls out of a deal on welfare reform, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson has said.

Republicans have said they will not support the proposed benefits legislation after accusing the Democratic Unionist Party of reneging on commitments and failing to protect the vulnerable.

A deal was signed before Christmas involving the British and Irish governments and five parties at Stormont to resolve public spending disputes which had paralysed the devolved administration.