Northern Ireland's devolved government institutions are in a "precarious place" with the "wheels coming off Stormont," according to Sinn Féin.
Conor Murphy, speaking after separate meetings with Sir Chris Bryant, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, stated that his party remains committed to power-sharing. However, he accused the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of demonstrating a lack of political will to make the executive function effectively.
Murphy's remarks follow his visit to Northern Ireland, during which he met with various political parties. He expressed concern over the future of the Stormont institutions, emphasizing the need for immediate engagement from both the British and Irish governments.
"The British government can't coast along, and neither can Dublin coast along in the hope that things will be better on the other side," Murphy said. "They need to engage now. They need to engage with all of the parties. They need to engage with the DUP to ensure that they actually approach this in this world of collaboration and cooperation, rather than that which we have seen over the last number of years."
The DUP, however, has countered these assertions. DUP leader Gavin Robinson stated that his party is focused on delivering for the people of Northern Ireland and expressed that Murphy should "tighten his nuts."
Parties within the Northern Ireland Executive have appealed for increased funding from the government to enable the setting of a budget. The ongoing political impasse raises questions about the stability and functionality of the region's power-sharing arrangements.