{"id":1236831,"date":"2022-10-28T00:07:59","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T00:07:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/10\/28\/ni-power-sharing-election-looms-as-devolved-government-deadline-passes\/"},"modified":"2022-10-28T00:07:59","modified_gmt":"2022-10-28T00:07:59","slug":"ni-power-sharing-election-looms-as-devolved-government-deadline-passes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/10\/28\/ni-power-sharing-election-looms-as-devolved-government-deadline-passes\/","title":{"rendered":"NI power-sharing: Election looms as devolved government deadline passes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_featured_image tdi_106 tdb-content-horiz-left td-pb-border-top td_block_template_1\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_106\">\n<style><![CDATA[\n\n\/* inline tdc_css att *\/\n\n\/* phone *\/\n@media (max-width: 767px)\n{\n.tdi_106{\nmargin-bottom:20px !important;\n}\n}\n\n]]><\/style>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\/* custom 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!important;line-height:1 !important;font-style:normal !important;\n\t\t        }.tdi_108 .wp-caption-text,\n\t\t\t\t.tdi_108 figcaption{\n\t\t\t        font-family:Roboto !important;font-size:11px !important;line-height:1.2 !important;font-style:normal !important;\n\t\t        }\n}\n]]><\/style>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><b class=\"ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3\">Northern Ireland is on course for an assembly election after politicians missed the deadline set by Westminster for restoring devolved government. <\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris now must call an election within 12 weeks. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">He has pledged to do this on Friday, rather than try to delay it or avoid it with fresh legislation at Westminster.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The most likely date is 15 December, although a date for a poll does not have to be set immediately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Mr Heaton-Harris is expected to lay out the next steps later on Friday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is blocking the restoration of power-sharing in its protest against the post-Brexit trading arrangements called the Northern Ireland Protocol.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Donaldson\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/_127395543_donaldson.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Unionist politicians argue the protocol undermines Northern Ireland\u2019s position in the UK.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">It keeps Northern Ireland aligned with some EU trade rules to ensure goods can move freely across the Irish land border.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-lr8ohi-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"2px presentational grey line\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/1645997044_299__105894347_grey_line-nc.png\" width=\"640\" height=\"2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 id=\"Analysis-Campaign-trail-leads-to-Christmas\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">Analysis: Campaign trail leads to Christmas<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><b class=\"ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3\">by Darran Marshall, BBC News NI political correspondent<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Chris Heaton-Harris had repeatedly pledged to call a fresh election if the devolved institutions were not reformed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">We can expect him to move quickly. A formal announcement may come as early as lunch time on Friday. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Politicians at Stormont had argued that a new election would not solve the impasse over the Northern Ireland Protocol. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">But they are now resigned to the fact they\u2019ll be hitting the campaign trail before Christmas. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">As it stands, it is far from clear that the power-sharing government will return on the other side of an election. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-lr8ohi-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"2px presentational grey line\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/1645997044_299__105894347_grey_line-nc.png\" width=\"640\" height=\"2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The DUP withdrew from the Northern Ireland Executive in February, with ministers remaining in post but with only limited powers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The executive is made up of ministers from the largest parties under a power-sharing arrangement, and is designed to ensure unionists and nationalists govern together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Michelle O'Neill\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/_127397651_gettyimages-1240419361-1.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-tvuve5-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\">Charles McQuillan<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">On Thursday, politicians failed in last-ditch efforts to restore devolved government ahead of the deadline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Assembly members met at Stormont as Sinn F\u00e9in, which won the largest number of seats in the last assembly election in May, called for the DUP to end its protest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The party\u2019s vice-president Michelle O\u2019Neill, who is entitled to the first minister position after Sinn F\u00e9in\u2019s success in May\u2019s election, accused DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson of a \u201cfailure of leadership\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-lr8ohi-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"2px presentational grey line\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/1645997044_299__105894347_grey_line-nc.png\" width=\"640\" height=\"2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 id=\"What-happens-next\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">What happens next?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">With the deadline passed, the secretary of state must call an election \u201cas soon as is practicable\u201d \u2013 to be held within 12 weeks. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Chris Heaton-Harris, who has been in office since 6 September, has consistently said he will call one after the deadline passes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Stormont\u2019s caretaker ministers were removed from office as of midnight and senior civil servants are now in charge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The assembly \u2013 which has been meeting only for special recalls since May\u2019s election \u2013 has also been dissolved. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">As the DUP has said it will continue its protest against the Northern Ireland Protocol, the election is unlikely in itself to break the stalemate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">So Northern Ireland could be set for further cycles of negotiations, up to 24 weeks, and future elections, until a resolution is found or the law is changed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><b class=\"ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3\">Read more: <\/b>Q&amp;A: Is Northern Ireland going back to the polls?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-lr8ohi-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"2px presentational grey line\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/1645997044_299__105894347_grey_line-nc.png\" width=\"640\" height=\"2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">But the DUP denounced the assembly meeting as a \u201cflawed and failed attempt\u201d to restore power-sharing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The meeting failed to elect a Speaker, or the first and deputy first ministers, so no government could be formed. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">It is the fourth time the assembly has met and failed to elect a Speaker since May\u2019s election.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had urged the DUP to return to Stormont, with an official spokesman saying \u201cthe people of Northern Ireland deserve a fully functioning and locally-elected executive which can respond to the issues facing the communities there\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Irish T\u00e1naiste (deputy prime minister) Leo Varadkar described the situation as regrettable, urging all parties, particularly the DUP, to \u201chonour their mandate\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-cptm83-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bottom banner\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/_123891292_uk_election_2022_banner_bottom_640x2-nc.png\" width=\"1024\" height=\"20\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 id=\"Read-more-Stormont-crisis-explained\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">Read more: Stormont crisis explained<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"unordered-list-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1o5f7ft-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi0\">\n<ul role=\"list\">\n<li>NI politicians return to Stormont to elect Speaker<\/li>\n<li>Who is NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris?<\/li>\n<li>A simple guide to the Northern Ireland Protocol<\/li>\n<li>Brexit and Northern Ireland: What does each side want?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-cptm83-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bottom banner\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/_123891292_uk_election_2022_banner_bottom_640x2-nc.png\" width=\"1024\" height=\"20\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"links-block\" class=\"ssrcss-5i1hhv-LinksComponentWrapper e3eyuya0\">\n<section class=\"ssrcss-msolhr-LinksWrapper e3eyuya5\">\n<p><h2 class=\"ssrcss-q4zz1q-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\">More on this story<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-10bv2vf-EndOfContentLinksGrid e3eyuya2\">\n<li class=\"ssrcss-547yr3-PromoItem e3eyuya1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nxco0v-Promo ett16tt0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-a0724v-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints e3z3r3u0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-xekq2n-PromoContent e1f5wbog7\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1f3bvyz-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-17zglt8-PromoHeadline e1f5wbog4\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">DUP blocks NI government as election call looms<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer ehnfhlg4\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner ehnfhlg2\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper ehnfhlg3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sir Jeffrey Donaldson speaks to the media alongside party members at Stormont\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/_127395505_stormont_index_getty.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ssrcss-547yr3-PromoItem e3eyuya1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nxco0v-Promo ett16tt0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-a0724v-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints e3z3r3u0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-xekq2n-PromoContent e1f5wbog7\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1f3bvyz-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-17zglt8-PromoHeadline e1f5wbog4\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">Who is NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer ehnfhlg4\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner ehnfhlg2\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper ehnfhlg3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Chris Heaton-Harris walking outside Downing Street in Mar 2022\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/_126617151_chh_reuters.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ssrcss-547yr3-PromoItem e3eyuya1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nxco0v-Promo ett16tt0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-a0724v-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints e3z3r3u0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-xekq2n-PromoContent e1f5wbog7\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1f3bvyz-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-17zglt8-PromoHeadline e1f5wbog4\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">No direct rule amid Stormont deadlock, says O\u2019Neill<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer ehnfhlg4\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner ehnfhlg2\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper ehnfhlg3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Michelle O'Neill\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/_127383520_60e6484f1cde5bbfe1fe6222bf091d4b0d156dc8.jpg\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1152\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ssrcss-547yr3-PromoItem e3eyuya1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nxco0v-Promo ett16tt0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-a0724v-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints e3z3r3u0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-xekq2n-PromoContent e1f5wbog7\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1f3bvyz-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-17zglt8-PromoHeadline e1f5wbog4\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">Q&amp;A: Is Northern Ireland going back to the polls?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer ehnfhlg4\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner ehnfhlg2\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper ehnfhlg3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Election\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/_127288880_gettyimages-1180591245.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ssrcss-547yr3-PromoItem e3eyuya1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nxco0v-Promo ett16tt0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-a0724v-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints e3z3r3u0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-xekq2n-PromoContent e1f5wbog7\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1f3bvyz-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-17zglt8-PromoHeadline e1f5wbog4\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">How does the NI Assembly differ from the executive?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer ehnfhlg4\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner ehnfhlg2\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper ehnfhlg3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Stormont graphic\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/_123201953_execassembly.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ssrcss-547yr3-PromoItem e3eyuya1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nxco0v-Promo ett16tt0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-a0724v-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints e3z3r3u0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-xekq2n-PromoContent e1f5wbog7\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1f3bvyz-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-17zglt8-PromoHeadline e1f5wbog4\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">NI secretary \u2018100% committed\u2019 to poll timetable<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer ehnfhlg4\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner ehnfhlg2\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper ehnfhlg3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Chris Heaton-Harris\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/_126631238_chrisheaton-harris2.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- A generated by theme --> <\/p>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n\/* inline tdc_css att *\/\n\n\/* phone 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restoring devolved government. Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris now must call an election within 12 weeks. He has pledged to do this on Friday, rather than try to delay it or avoid it with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1236833,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1236831","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-world"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1236831","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1236831"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1236831\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1236831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1236831"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1236831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}