Leaders in Northern Ireland will resume talks to restore Stormont powersharing following the murder of journalist Lyra McKee.

Ms McKee was shot dead by the so-called New IRA as she covered riots in Derry/Londonderry on 18 April.

Her funeral was attended by the country's main leaders and there was a standing ovation in response to comments by Catholic priest Father Martin Magill as to why it had taken the death of a 29-year-old woman to bring them together.

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In a joint statement, British Prime Minister Theresa May and her Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar said the display of unity seen at the funeral "gave expression to the clear will and determination of all of the people of these islands to reject violence and to support peace and a better future for everyone in Northern Ireland".


They added: "We also heard the unmistakable message to all political leaders that people across Northern Ireland want to see a new momentum for political progress.

"We agree that what is now needed is actions and not just words from all of us who are in positions of leadership.

"We have agreed to establish a new process of political talks, involving all the main political parties in Northern Ireland, together with the UK and Irish governments, in accordance with the three stranded process.

"The aim of these talks is quickly to re-establish to full operation the democratic institutions of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement - the NI executive, assembly and North-South ministerial council - so that they can effectively serve all of the people for the future."

Northern Ireland secretary Karen Bradley said on Friday that talks would resume on 7 May and all main parties will be invited.

In a news conference with Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney, Ms Bradley said Ms McKee had "symbolised the new Northern Ireland and her tragic death cannot be in vain".

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She added: "All of us must take inspiration from what Lyra achieved in her life and work even harder to make Northern Ireland a brighter, more peaceful and prosperous place for everyone."

Mr Coveney added: "[Ms McKee] was a brave, bright and brilliant person who exemplified the spirit of what we need today."

Partner's tribute to reporter shot dead

The Stormont executive and assembly collapsed more than two years ago in a row between the former powersharing partners - the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein - over a botched green energy scheme.

Previous talks have failed.