THERESA May's plans to trigger Brexit by the end of March have hit a major blocker today after the power-sharing deal in Northern Ireland collapsed and a fresh election was set for March 2.

Sinn Fein failed to put a candidate forward as deputy first minister, which has led to the end of a decade of joint-rule between unionist and nationalist politicians.

The PM called both the unionist DUP and Sinn Fein this morning to try and strike a deal to save the powersharing executive by a 5pm deadline.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire was legally forced to announce fresh elections this evening for Thursday 2 March, and the Government will be dissolved from January 26.

This will be bad timing for the UK Government as they gear up for triggering Article 50 and Brexit talks.

Today Mr Brokenshire said that "no one should underestimate the challenge faced to the political institutions here in Northern Ireland, and what's at stake."

He encouraged all parties to conduct the election "with a view to the future of Northern Ireland and establishing a partnership government at the earliest opportunity."

The Northern Ireland Secretary said he was committed a devolved administration, and his focus was on "bringing people together and… overcoming differences", not returning to the days of direct rule.

RELATED STORIES

But there are now fears that Brexit talks could be pushed back – if the Supreme Court rule that politicians in Northern Ireland have to approve triggering Article 50.

Campaigners argued last month that the devolved nations should have to give consent before starting the process of leaving the EU, but without a formal government, ministers would be unable to give their approval.

The Supreme Court ruling – which will also say whether the PM needs a vote in Parliament before triggering Article 50 – is expected within days.

The Alliance Party's Naomi Long said this weekend that the PM would face fresh legal action if she tried to trigger Article 50 while Stormont is not sitting. "It could take months," she said, fearing that a court would have to make a decision on Northern Ireland's position if the Government could not.

What is the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal?

The Renewable Heat Incentive scheme was set up in November 2012 in a bid to encourage businesses and other non-domestic to use renewable energy resources.

It offered a financial incentive to install renewable heat systems on their premises, including biomass boilers, mostly burning wood pellets, solar thermal and heat pumps.

But it is alleged this cash motivation led to fuel being pointlessly burnt.

The scheme was run by then Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI). The DETI minister at the time was the now First Minister, Arlene Foster.

A lack of interest in the scheme meant that it underspent by £15million in 2014-15.

Sinn Fein's Martin McGuiness stepped down from his role as deputy first minister last Monday, citing concerns about the DUP's "arrogance" of handling the fallout of a botched heating scheme. Without a replacement, the power-sharing government led by the DUP's Arelene Foster, now can't function.

Ms Foster told the press today that Sinn Fein had "chosen to pursue political self-interest" by encouraging a fresh election, which risked the future of Northern Ireland and its stability.

"They did not like the election result last May and therefore they are looking to have another go."

She added: "They will take every vote for them as an encouragement that they can bring down the Northern Ireland executive whenever they don’t get their own way, no matter what the cost."

Mr McGuiness, 66, resigned after Ms Foster refused to step aside while her role in a botched heating scheme was investigated – which left the region facing a £490million overspend.

The Renewable Heat Incentive scheme was set up under Ms Foster in 2012, and offered money for businesses to use renewable energy.

Businesses and other non-domestic users have been accused of using the scheme to exploit millions of pounds by installing boilers in places that had never been heated.

But yesterday Mr Brokenshire insisted that the political chaos in Northern Ireland WON'T derail Westminster's Brexit plans.

The Tory minister tried to play down fears by saying that "nothing" will delay the triggering of Article 50.

Campaigners have warned it would be impossible to stick to the timetable if the Northern Irish Assembly is not sitting.

Mr Brokenshire told the Andrew Marr show yesterday: "I should stress we are not delaying the timetable, we still remain absolutely committed to triggering the Article 50 process by no later than the end of March, and nothing changes that."

The two parties have jointly ruled in Northern Ireland since 2007 where a devolution deal was agreed between the British and Irish governments.

The Stormont Assembly will limp on until it is formally dissolved next week.

Source: Read Full Article