Sinn Fein's Deputy First Minister has cancelled his trip to the United States for Saint Patrick's Day.

Martin McGuinness wants to remain in Ireland to focus on finding political agreement between his party and the DUP over welfare legislation.

Last week Sinn Féin pulled support for welfare legislation, saying that the DUP had acted in bad faith by limiting support for those losing out due to UK welfare reforms. The disagreement, which has yet to be resolved, has profound implications for the Northern Irish budget and for power sharing in Stormont.

McGuinness released a statement explaining his change of plans:

"The Sinn Féin team and I have engaged in this work positively and constructively.

"Progress has been made in talks between the parties but there is still a lot of work to be done. 

"I have decided to focus on finding a resolution and will therefore not be travelling to the US to take part in events marking St Patrick's Day."

McGuinness and Peter Robinson had been invited to the White House for the annual St Patrick's Day celebrations on Tuesday.