Northern Ireland ‘can’t form Government’ until EU changes Brexit trade rules

POLITICIANS are mired in post-election mud in Northern Ireland — over Brexit trade rules.

Sinn Fein were the largest party for the first time but the DUP will not form a government with them unless the impasse is “dealt with”.

Sinn Fein need the DUP's help to form a government - but they are holding out for trade agreement laws to be changed — Sinn Fein need the DUP’s help to form a government – but they are holding out for trade agreement laws to be changedCredit: Reuters

Last night, 88 of 90 seats at Stormont had been declared with Michelle O’Neill’s nationalists holding 27, the DUP 24 and the Alliance Party 17.

The Democratic Unionist Party’s leader, Jeffrey Donaldson, said it was time for Boris Johnson’s government to “step up” and sort out the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Under it, checks are required on goods entering the province from the rest of the UK.

It has been a source of UK and EU tension and sources say Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, is “deeply concerned” after Brussels said it would “never” change its negotiating stance.

She believes the EU’s reluctance could undermine the Good Friday Agreement and lead to instability now the elections are over.

Sources say Westminster’s intention to take “direct action” is set to be spelled out in the Queen’s Speech. It would mean border checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea being suspended.

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A Foreign Office source said: “We need to see the EU move significantly.

“Action will be taken if solutions can’t be found.”

Q & A

Q: WHO is now Northern Ireland’s biggest party?

A: SINN FEIN has most seats in the Stormont Assembly. It marks the first time an Irish nationalist party has defeated a pro-British party.

Q: WILL the power-sharing executive be formed?

A: THE executive must be formed with representatives from the main unionist and nationalist parties. The DUP are reluctant to join unless the protocol changes.

Q: WILL the issue of the Northern Ireland Protocol be fixed now?

A: BRITAIN wants the EU to back down and modify the protocol, arguing it undermines the Good Friday Agreement in its current form.

Q: WILL there be a united Ireland now?

A: NO. Only 30 per cent of people backed reunification in a poll last month against 45.3 per cent who were opposed. Sinn Fein are considering a five-year framework for a border poll to be held.