Posted 1/17/2024, 12:00:56 AM
Northern Ireland faces political deadlock and strikes as power-sharing deadline looms
- Northern Ireland Assembly being recalled ahead of Thursday's deadline to restore devolved government, but restoration is unlikely as DUP continues blocking election of a Speaker
- Devolved government has been collapsed since early 2022 due to DUP protest over post-Brexit Northern Ireland trade rules
- Secretary of State expected to pass legislation to extend deadline requirement again rather than call fresh elections
- Recall comes day before major public sector strikes over pay disputes, with financial package to resolve disputes tied to restoring Executive
- DUP says power to deliver pay settlement for workers lies with UK government, not lack of functioning Executive