DUP says next week's UK Budget could give Stormont a 'fighting chance' of balancing its books after months of deadlock

DUP leader Gavin Robinson is pinning his hopes on Barnett consequentials expected next Wednesday to narrow the funding gap. He hailed a "sense of realism" in talks with Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant at Stormont on Thursday. Bryant still insists there is no money beyond the £1.5bn already offered. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald warned that cash "still runs far short."

Stormont departments have run without a budget since April, capped at 95% of last year's spending.

Bryant has accused devolved ministers of "irresponsible" overspending.

Little-Pengelly branded O'Neill's refusal of a joint Treasury meeting "recklessness and an abdication."