Northern Ireland’s devolved government has not sat since it collapsed in February 2022
By Jayne McCormack
BBC News NI political correspondent
The deadline to hold an assembly election if there is no executive formed will be extended until 8 February, BBC News NI understands.
The very short extension will provide more time as the DUP is yet to decide whether to return to power sharing.
The party has been blocking devolved government since February 2022 over post-Brexit trade rules for NI.
It is facing pressure to say if it will back a deal to end the 23-month impasse at Stormont.
The most recent legal deadline expired last week, with no breakthrough as yet in talks between the DUP and the government.
On Monday, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he was continuing to engage with Number 10 and that he was working to “finalise” discussions.
Legislation to be fast tracked
In the absence of a decision being taken by the DUP, the government must legislate to push back a requirement for fresh assembly elections and forming an executive.
Legislation to do that is being introduced in Parliament on Tuesday and is expected to be fast tracked through the Commons on Wednesday.
The government has already passed similar legislation on several occasions.
The Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has previously indicated that even if Stormont is not restored by the deadline, he will not seek to call another election and would instead “legislate to protect public services”.
Some parties have questioned what that would look like, insisting that there can be no return to direct rule from London and that the Irish government would have to play a bigger consultative role.
Even once a decision is taken by DUP officers on whether to back a deal, Sir Jeffrey has given a guarantee to his party executive – which is made up of more than 100 members – that they will be able to discuss any decision made.
