The setting up of the Northern Ireland Assembly was an historic step. It meant Stormont had its own government for the first time in 25 years.

But only 72 days after it took power, it was suspended by Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson.

April 1998

The Good Friday agreeement proposes devolution of some central government power to a Northern Ireland assembly.

21 May 1998

The agreement is approved by 71.2% of voters in Northern Ireland and 95% of the Republic of Ireland electorate in an all-Ireland poll.

25-26 June 1998

The assembly is elected, with Ulster Unionists winning the largest share of the vote and 28 seats. The SDLP takes 24, and Sinn Fein 18.

29 June 1998

David Trimble is elected First Minister designate of the assembly with the SDLP's Seamus Mallon as deputy.

29 November 1999

The government is formed as Northern Ireland's political parties nominate 10 ministers with departmental responsibilities. For the first time, members of the Ulster Unionist Party and Sinn Fein hold posts in the same executive.

One of the most controversial appointments is that of Martin McGuinness, of Sinn Fein, as Education Minister.

30 November

Members are nominated to departmental committees. A devolution order is rushed through Parliament at Westminster ending direct rule, in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement.

31 November

Power is transferred to the new Stormont administration at midnight.

2 December

Mr Mandelson expresses his confidence that the IRA will disarm, as the Stormont assembly began its first day governing its own affairs. But he warns that if the republican paramilitaries do not decommission, he will have no choice but to suspend the assembly.

The Irish Republic lifts its constitutional claim to Northern Ireland and the north-south and British-Irish bodies are enacted.

6 December

Assembly members award themselves a 30% pay rise. First Minister David Trimble and his deputy Seamus Mallon now earn more than £100,000.

16 December

Sinn Fein party chairman Mitchel McLaughlin steps down from his seat on Derry City Council to concentrate on his role in the assembly.

24 January 2000

The assembly rejects the controversial Patten proposals on policing reform, including changing the name of the the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

1 February

The assembly votes against the health minister's decision to locate a regional maternity unit in Belfast's Royal Hospital complex.

4 February

Peter Mandelson announces that if he receives no assurances that decommissioning will happen, he will put the assembly on hold in seven days' time. The timetable is aimed at giving the peace process another chance.

5 February

The UK Government begins steps towards suspending the assembly. The delay is a bid to prevent Mr Trimble handing in a pre-prepared letter of resignation.

8 February

The bill to suspend the assembly and reimpose direct rule from Westminster clears the Commons after a seven-hour debate.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams warns he is ready to walk away from the peace process if there is a return to direct rule.

10 February

The direct rule bill receives Royal Assent.

11 February

The Assembly is suspended.