Jeffrey Donaldson thinks the North is heading for direct rule from London

Northern Ireland is facing a prolonged period of direct rule from Westminster in the wake of the anticipated collapse of power-sharing at Stormont, a senior Democratic Unionist has predicted.

Jeffrey Donaldson said the bitter political row between his party and its long-term partner in government, Sinn Féin, is unlikely to be resolved without a lengthy talks process following the looming snap election.