Q&A: The North is in crisis again and headed for another election

The North is heading for an election. The power-sharing executive has imploded because of an eco-boiler scandal. Here are the answers to key questions on how the next weeks and months are likely to play out in Stormont’s latest political drama.

What happens now?

While the ruling executive has gone up in smoke, the Assembly is set to limp on for a number of days, pending the required Westminster and royal rubber-stamps for dissolving it. Northern Ireland secretary, James Brokenshire, is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons, and the queen will need to approve an order of council. Once those requirements are fulfilled, the Assembly will be dissolved and the election campaign will begin.