Edwin Poots said comments by Caoimhe Archibald in relation to the north south interconnector were not ‘appropriate’.

Members are likely to vote on a majority basis to continue with the contentious rules and regulations that govern trade between the region and GB.

Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O’Toole paid tribute to the role of previous US administrations in Ireland.

The First Minister’s comments came amid an ongoing controversy over the decision of two DUP ministers to meet the Loyalist Communities Council.

The Education Minister accused other parties of ‘hypocrisy’ over their criticism of his meetings with the Loyalist Communities Council.

SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole said it was a ‘serious situation’ and indicated he would be seeking further answers from the republican party.

The nationalist party confirmed Ms Hanna was the only declared candidate to succeed Colum Eastwood.

Colum Eastwood announced on Thursday he is to step down as leader after nine years in charge of the party.

Colum Eastwood will stand down at the party’s conference in October.

The DUP introduced the applicability motion at Stormont

Sinn Féin described a motion brought by the DUP as a ‘sham fight’

The unionist party is to use an applicability motion at Stormont on Tuesday to allow the Northern Ireland Assembly to vote on a new EU regulation.