Northern executive hangs in balance

The future of the North’s powersharing executive hangs in the balance after unionists resigned last night and left a small window in which to heal relations between all sides.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny called on the leaders of the political parties in the North to use their influence to ensure that the North’s institutions do not collapse.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said time was “running out” after efforts to adjourn the executive failed and DUP ministers quit their positions.