Ahern not surprised by Northern election results

The Minister for Foreign Affairs says he is not surprised by the electoral success of the two more extreme political parties in the North.

Dermot Ahern says there has been, what he called, a "sea change" within both Sinn Féin and the DUP.

He says both parties have moved towards the centre, with encouragement from the Irish and British governments.

"Sinn Féin have moved on the issue of policing very significantly. IRA have decommissioned. There's a peaceful scenario in Northern Ireland," he said.

"The DUP have moved to a situation where they've committed themselves to the St. Andrew's agreement principals - which is partnership government. Now really, the onus is on them to fulfil that and go into government with nationalists."