More decision-making powers will have to be reverted to London if political parties at Stormont fail to reach a power-sharing deal soon, the UK’s Northern Ireland Secretary announced.
Mr Brokenshire’s comments come as the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein hold intensive private talks to establish whether there is any prospect of an agreement to re-form a government.
Brokenshire said things could still ‘change course’
Speaking on Thursday, the Conservative MP declared: “If things don’t change we are on a glide path to greater and greater UK government intervention.
“But I believe we can change course.
“This can be achieved with political leadership and with support of the people of Northern Ireland – including communities and businesses.”
Northern Ireland services ‘unravelling’
Mr Brokenshire added that the nine months without a government to steer policy had left the country with “no political direction” and left critical public service reform wanting.
He cautioned that any need to pass a budget for the country from London would be a profound step backwards.
“But in the continuing absence of devolution the UK Government retains ultimate responsibility for good governance and political stability in Northern Ireland as part of the UK,” the MP said.
“We will not shirk from the necessary measures to deliver that.”
Martin McGuinness resigned in January, plunging Stormont into chaos
The late Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned at the start of 2017 and plunged the devolved institutions led by his party and the DUP into crisis.
Political leaders at Stormont have been attempting to restore them ever since.
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