The Irish and British governments have called on the DUP, Sinn Féin and the other Northern Ireland political parties to start talks immediately on re-establishing the power-sharing executive.

The Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan spoke earlier this morning to the leaders of the main parties, and with the Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire. 

He said both governments were agreed on the need for intensive engagement to address outstanding issues and ensure the early resumption of the power-sharing executive.

They're are now inviting the main parties to talk, with an aim to resolve those issues.

Charlie Flanagan said that the DUP and Sinn Féin are the two biggest parties and have particular responsibilities to engage with each other.

The parties are at odds over the status of DUP leader Arlene Foster, who Sinn Fein want to step aside to allow an inquiry into the cash for ash scandal.

Minister Flanagan has said that it's now vital that a new power-sharing administration in Northern Ireland is established as soon as possible.