Sources in the Irish government have confirmed that the DUP have asked for the North-South Ministerial Council meeting to be postponed until September. It appears to be some bleeding from the withdrawal from the party leaders talks earlier is now going into North-South co-operation. This announcement of postponing the meeting comes off the back of some positive news about the electricity inter-connector that was announced this week.

But sure what the hell, it’s not as if people in Northern Ireland are facing some of the highest energy bills in Europe and it’s not as if our economy doesn’t depend on the South in the areas of trade and agriculture. All of these areas require co-operation between the two governments, but not to worry, the big issue of a parade being denied the right of return in North Belfast is what’s really important to the DUP obviously.

Full statement from Eamon Gilmore

I was disappointed to learn of today’s developments in the party leaders’ talks in Belfast and the consequent postponement of the North South Ministerial Council plenary. I would hope that this is only a temporary setback and that all the parties will return to the talks as early as possible. I am disappointed also that, as a consequence of the DUP’s and UUP’s withdrawal from the political talks in Belfast, tomorrow’s North South Ministerial Council plenary meeting in Dublin Castle has been postponed. The North South Ministerial Council is dealing with important issues, such as job creation and economic development, which would be of benefit to people across this island. I would urge all parties in Northern Ireland to continue to engage constructively through all of the institutions