Joint statement from Irish and British Governments
There could be a narrow window of opportunity in the weeks ahead to reach agreement over a return to Stormont.
A joint government statement tonight says it's essential to intensify talks in the weeks ahead.
The Taoiseach and British Prime Minister say they're monitoring developments closely and believe it's imperative for all parties to engage in the coming weeks.
Leo Varadkar says the Northern Secretary and Tánaiste believe it's essential to both continue and intensify the current round of political talks in the North.
He says they welcome the constructive engagement shown by all parties to date, but while broad consensus has been reached on some issues, other areas remain to be resolved.
Speaking at the end of the current phase and ahead of plenary meetings tomorrow, Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald says all parties and both governments have shared their positions and all agree on the need to re-establish the power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.
She says the next phase must move from aspiration, to actually reaching an agreement that works for all.
