Breakthrough in Irish Language Act averts power-sharing crisis in Northern Ireland

The development came after a night of intensive talks involving Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis and DUP and Sinn Féin delegations in Belfast

Mary Lou McDonald speaks to reporters in the early hours of Thursday flanked by party colleagues Michelle O’Neill and Conor Murphy. Picture: David Young/PA

The Taoiseach has welcomed the late night deal over Irish language laws in Northern Ireland, paving the way for Stormont leaders to be appointed.

A power-sharing crisis in Northern Ireland appears to have been averted after a late night deal over Irish language laws paved the way for Stormont leaders to be appointed.