Sinn Féin has revealed that they won't be putting forward a candidate for the position of Deputy First Minister.

The Stormont Assembly is set to reconvene tomorrow and the party have already selected four candidates to contest the West Belfast constituency - Alex Maskey, Fra McCann, Pat Sheenan and Órlaithí Flynn.

At the selection convention today, Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said the Northern Ireland Assembly was "moving inexorably" towards a snap election.

"We will go to the Assembly tomorrow and we will not be nominating anyone to the post of Deputy First Minister, so we are moving inexorably towards an election."

Mr Muilleoir continued by saying "Sinn Fein's role on Monday will be to stand up for the ordinary people who are disgusted at the arrogance of the DUP over recent times." He added "The public will get the chance to have their say."

The Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire is obliged to call an election if there is no resolution to the current deadlock at Stormont by 5pm on Monday.

The deadline on Monday evening marks seven days since Martin McGuinness resigned from his position as Deputy First Minister.

Earlier today The Northern Secretary said there won't be a return to direct rule at Stormont.

He said "I’m not contemplating any alternatives to devolved government in Northern Ireland. That is my absolute and resolute faith."