Ahern: Unionists risk getting left behind

The Taoiseach has warned unionists they'll be 'left behind' if they don't sign up to power-sharing.

Speaking after talks with the Northern Secretary in Cardiff this afternoon, Bertie Ahern said the North's executive must be in place on March 26 - otherwise the local government structures will be dissolved.

In a clear reference to the DUP, Mr Ahern said there is no future in basing a political strategy on trying to delay - or prevent - devolution past that deadline.

Earlier, Peter Hain said Unionists have no excuse now for not joining a power-sharing Government with Republicans following Sinn Féin's decision to back the PSNI.