Powersharing talks remain a priority, insists UK government amid scepticism

The UK Government has said talks to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland remain a priority, despite scepticism from a senior Democratic Unionist that they are a "waste of time".

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) restated its determination to secure a local agreement in response to a call from MP Sammy Wilson to end the "sham" process and introduce direct rule from Westminster.