McEntee welcomes decision ruling out pre-Christmas election in Northern Ireland

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said it gives all sides time to continue discussions and to make sure that a solution can be found

Speaking at a Shared Island Initiative event on gender-based violence, Helen McEntee said: “I think it gives us an opportunity to really focus on trying to find an overall solution and to get the executive up and running. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins 

The ruling out of an election in Northern Ireland before the end of the year has been welcomed as a “Christmas miracle”.

Britain's Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris will outline his next steps in parliament next week but has ruled out a fresh Stormont Assembly election in December.