Mary Lou McDonald: 'Lost opportunity' if NI Assembly not in place for Biden visit

Mary Lou McDonald said the negotiations are "over" and the focus must now shift to re-establishing the Executive with Michelle O'Neill as First Minister. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

It would be an "incredibly foolish lost opportunity" if the North's institutions are not up and running for US President Joe Biden's Irish visit, Mary Lou McDonald has said.

Calling on the DUP to "do the right thing", the Sinn Féin leader said the "eyes of the world" are now on Northern Ireland and there is "no excuse" for Jeffrey Donaldson's party to stay out of power sharing.