Northern Ireland faces ‘direct rule by stealth’ as talks falter

Northern Ireland secretary James Brokenshire will take a decision about the viability of the talks over the Easter weekend.Only a “miracle” can save talks aimed at restoring a power sharing government in Northern Ireland, an MP has warned.With just over a week left before the deadline on discussions between the Northern Irish parties, the prospect of what has been called “direct rule by stealth” now appears to be closer than at any time since the Good Friday agreement.