A six-month extension of British government direct rule over Northern Ireland was formally sanctioned in the House of Lords today.
Leader of the Lords, Baroness Amos, secured approval for a regulation permitting Westminster to make laws for the North until devolved government, suspended in 2002, is restored.
Initially limited to the first six months of suspension, the powers can be extended for six month intervals. They were first extended in September 2003 and this new order would grant a further six month renewal.
The British and Irish Governments and the various political parties are working to restore the devolved institutions.
"But these efforts have not yet met with success. Nevertheless we remain committed to securing the restoration of devolved government on a stable and inclusive basis," Baroness Amos said.
"As soon as we have achieved this, the powers we are renewing today, with the other powers relating to devolution, will revert to the devolved Assembly and Northern Ireland ministers."