Eastwood calls for a greater role for the Irish government

During questions to the British Secretary of State, SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has called for a more significant role for the Irish government in Northern Ireland's governance and restoring the democratic institutions.

Speaking in the british House of Commons, Mr Eastwood said: "It's been 15 months since we've had an Executive at Stormont. Health services are collapsing.

"Our economy is not taking up the opportunity that is provided by the Windsor Framework and the protocol. Surely now it's time for the Secretary of State to look at a greater role for the Irish government in the affairs of Northern Ireland?"

Following the question, Mr Eastwood said: "Ministers in the British Government can no longer shrug their shoulders and delay while people struggle and our public services continue to decline and collapse.

"The Secretary of State must seriously consider a greater role for the Irish government to help address the critical issues that have left us without democratic institutions at Stormont.”