The Northern Ireland Assembly is set to be dissolved from Thursday 26 January ahead of an early election on Thursday 2 March.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said he was obliged to call the election following Sinn Féin’s failure to nominate a new deputy First Minister after Martin McGuinness’s resignation.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Brokenshire said: “In forming a view on a potential polling day, I have consulted the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland on operational matters and been informed by my ongoing dialogue with Northern Ireland’s political leaders.

“In the light of this, I propose that a draft Order in Council be brought forward shortly to set an election date of Thursday 2nd March and to dissolve the Assembly from the 26th January – meaning its last sitting day will be the 25th.”

He added: “No one should underestimate the challenge faced to the political institutions here in Northern Ireland and what is at stake.

“While it is inevitable that debate during an election period will be intense, I would strongly encourage the political parties to conduct this election with a view to the future of Northern Ireland and re-establishing a partnership government at the earliest opportunity after that poll.

“This is essential for the operation of devolved government. And this means that all must remain open to dialogue.

“The Government continues to stand firmly behind its commitment to the Belfast Agreement and its successors and our responsibilities to safeguard political stability here in Northern Ireland.

“We will continue to do all that we can to find a way forward and secure the continuation of devolved government.”