DUP reiterates refusal to speak directly to SF

Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley has reiterated his party’s refusal to speak directly to Sinn Féin while the IRA continues to exist.

Speaking ahead of talks in Stormont to pave the way for a fresh round of negotiations later this month, Mr Paisley also called on the Irish Government to adopt a similar approach to the republican movement.

“I do hope the Irish Government, who have very hard things to say about the IRA down in Dublin, will say the same things up here,” he said.