The Northern Ireland Assembly has officially failed to elect a new First or Deputy First Minister.
The Northern Ireland Assembly has officially failed to elect a new First or Deputy First Minister.
The failure to pick successors to Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness paves the way for an election to be called tonight.
Today's move had been expected, given the high level of tensions between the DUP and Sinn Fein, the two biggest parties in what is now the outgoing assembly.
These tensions arose over the so-called cash for ash scandal, and Arlene Foster's refusal to step aside as First Minister while an inquiry was being carried out.
Today, the DUP selected her for a third term in that role, but Sinn Féin said it would not put someone forward to serve as Deputy – meaning neither job can be filled.
The powersharing executive at Stormont will officially collapse at 5pm – triggering a snap election.
