The Taoiseach and British Prime Minister have issued a joint statement overnight urging all parties to push ahead to try and reach a power-sharing agreement in the North.

Both governments last night said there is a 'genuine but narrow window of opportunity to reach agreement' in the weeks ahead and have been told to intensify their efforts.

Tanaiste Simon Coveney and the Northern Secretary Karen Bradley are due to resume their discussion today with the five Stormont parties.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says recent constructive engagements have led to broad consensus being reached on some issues, while other areas remain to be resolved.

Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald also issued a statement overnight, saying the next phase of talks must move from aspiration, to actually reaching an agreement that works for all.