DUP still refusing to commit to power-sharing

The possibility of a resumption of power-sharing in the North remains as unclear as ever this morning as the counting of votes continues following Wednesday's Assembly election.

The DUP and Sinn Féin have, as expected, maintained the positions as the two main parties.

However, the unionist party is still refusing to commit itself to power-sharing by the March 26. deadline set out by the British government.

The DUP says it still wants action from Sinn Féin to prove its commitment to the rule of law following its historic decision to endorse the PSNI earlier this year.

It has refused to say if it believes this can be done by the March 26th deadline, prompting speculation that some kind of fudge may be negotiated to delay the restoration of devolution.

Sinn Féin, meanwhile, says it has already taken all the steps required of it and the electorate clearly wants the power-sharing Executive back up and running.

It says the British government should scrap devolution altogether and push ahead with implementing the rest of the Good Friday Agreement if the DUP is not willing to live up to its responsibilities.