Executive fails to meet again

The first and deputy first ministers answered questions before a Stormont committee on Wednesday

A meeting of the Stormont Executive, scheduled for Thursday, will not happen.

The first and deputy first ministers told a Stormont committee on Wednesday they were working to resolve the deadlock over an Executive meeting.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness struck a conciliatory note as they answered questions on their plans for government.

Both have said they want to overcome the current difficulties.

Mr Robinson had said he would be happy for an executive meeting with an open agenda to take place.

However, Mr McGuinness said it was still "highly unlikely" it would happen.

A Sinn Féin source told the BBC that the offer was "not practical" and "what was needed was agreement between the first and deputy first minister on what papers should go forward".

It is now three and a half months since the Executive last met.