Bertie Ahern ‘hoping and praying’ for resolution to Stormont talks

Mr Ahern has previously said he considers lingering instability of Northern Ireland’s political institutions as one of his biggest regrets from the Good Friday Agreement talks.

Taoiseach and key Good Friday Agreement negotiator Bertie Ahern said he is praying for a resolution to talks on funding for Northern Ireland and a return to powersharing before Christmas (PA)

Former Taoiseach and key Good Friday Agreement negotiator Bertie Ahern said he is praying for a resolution to talks on funding for Northern Ireland and a return to powersharing before Christmas.

Negotiations involving Northern Ireland’s main political parties and British government officials are continuing informally after failing to conclude as planned on Wednesday, with the official talks due to restart on Monday.