Crisis talks in the North to resume today

Negotiations aimed at saving the North's power sharing executive are expected to resume later today.

It is after the Ulster Unionist party walked out last night, insisting the IRA should be the first topic addressed.

The crisis talks had been spearheaded by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan and the Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers, after the PSNI linked the murder of Kevin McGuigan to members of the provisional IRA.

Leader of the Alliance Party David Ford says the UUP's decision is difficult to understand.

“I work out what the Ulster Unionist tactic is,” said Ford.

“To put forward their proposal of a way which money should be spent, and then to refuse to come to discuss that particular proposal is anything short of leadership.