DUP Dashes Hopes for NI Power-Sharing Deal Before Christmas Amid Brexit Trade Concerns
• DUP rules out deal to restore NI power sharing before Christmas, talks with UK government on post-Brexit trade arrangements need more time • Hopes had existed for a breakthrough this week to end DUP's 22-month boycott of Stormont executive and assembly • DUP concerned about checks on goods entering NI from Great Britain undermining NI's place in UK • UK government may change labelling to mark goods "for sale in Scotland, England and Wales" rather than "UK only" • Financial package offered by UK government to NI worth £2.5 billion if executive restored, intended to improve public services and settle pay claims fueling strikes