Political Crisis In Northern Ireland Averted With Deal On Irish Language Legislation.

Sinn Fein will now nominate Michelle O'Neill as deputy first minister, and the DUP's Paul Givan will be ratified as First Minister.

A political crisis in Northern Ireland has been avoided - after a late night deal over Irish language laws paved the way for Stormont leaders to be appointed.

Sinn Fein will now nominate Michelle O'Neill as deputy first minister, and the DUP's Paul Givan will be ratified as First Minister.

Following discussions with the UK's Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis - Sinn Féin it's been given assurances that Westminster will push forward legislation protecting the Irish language in the Autumn - if Stormont hasn't acted on the issue by then.

Speaking in the early hours of this morning, the Brandon Lewis says he expects Stormont to approve the appointments later today:

The British govt have agreed to legislate for Acht Gaeilge. This is the only way to break the cycle of DUP blockage of rights.

We will nominate Michelle O'Neill as deputy First Minister.

We have work to do to rebuild the economy and tackle hospital waiting lists. #AchtAnois pic.twitter.com/zm8vqKG9XO

— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) June 17, 2021

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald says the saga surrounding the Irish Language Act has gone on for too long:

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney says he's looking forward to working with the new First Minister and Deputy First Minister in Northern Irealnd.

He has welcomed the commitment by the UK Government to ensure there's protection for the Irish language, if Stormont fails to act.

"We have never been in the business of playing fast and loose with devolution. Our waiting lists, economic recovery and schools are too important for party political games."@edwinpootsmla https://t.co/Q5uuus8hSp via @duponline

— DUP (@duponline) June 17, 2021

The DUP has said it isn't in the business of pre-conditions.

It's leader Edwin Poots released a statement which says the decision to set ultimatums and deadlines surrounding the Irish Language Act is unnecessary.

He said working on economic recovery, waiting lists and schools is too important for party political games.

And, on Thursday afternoon, Paul Givan was appointed as Northern Ireland's First Minister and Michelle O'Neill as Deputy First Minister.

It's after a late-night agreement over Irish language laws which averted a political crisis.

Stephen Murphy reports: