BREAKING: Martin McGuinness resigns as deputy First Minister

Foyle MLA Martin McGuinness has resigned from his position as deputy First Minister effective 5pm today.

He has cited the RHI scandal as the reason.

The move is likely to trigger a general election.

He explained his reasons in a letter to DUP Speaker Robin Newton:

"It is my firm view that the DUP handling of this issue has been completely out of step with a public mood which is rightly outraged at the squandering of public money and the allegations of misconduct and corruption. The public are demanding robust action and accountability but the DUP, in particular the leader Arlene Foster, have refused to accept this.

"The DUP leader has a clear conflict of interest. She was the Minister responsible for the RHI scheme at its inception. No cost controls were put in place and warnings were ignored. This has led to an enormously damaging pressure on our public finances and a crisis of confidence in the political institutions.

"The Minister responsible for the RHI scheme should have no Executive role in overseeing how this will be rectified.

"There are significant conflict of interest issues and I have urged Arlene Foster to stand aside without prejudice to ensure confidence in the necessary investigation and in the wider public interest. These institutions only have value if they enjoy the confidence and support of the people they were established to serve. They only have meaning if they are delivering a fairly for all our people based on the principles of equality and mutual respect on which they were founded.

"I have sought to maximise the potential of the institutions for forward progress in a society emerging from a bitter conflict. But the refusal of Arlene Foster to recognise the public anger or to exhibit any further any humility in the context of the RHI scandal is indicative of a deep seated arrogance which is inflicting enormous damage on the Executive, the Assembly and the entire body politic.

"The First Minister has refused to stand aside, without prejudice, pending a preliminary report from an investigation.

"This position is not credible or tenable.

"The Irish and British governments have internationally binding obligations to uphold issues of equality and parity of esteem. They need to fulfil these obligations.

"Therefore, it is with deep regret and reluctance, that I am tendering my resignation as as deputy First Minister with effect from 5pm on Monday, 9th January, 2017.

"In the available period Sinn Fein will not nominate any to the position of deputy First Minister. We now need an election to allow the people to make their own judgement on these issues democratically at the ballot box."