In a press conference held at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced that negotiations aimed at restoring devolved government at Stormont have come to an end. Heaton-Harris emphasized that it was now time for decisions to be made and revealed that a substantial financial package of over £3.3bn was available for the return of the executive.

These remarks were made following financial talks and separate discussions with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) regarding the Windsor Framework. The DUP's boycott of Stormont was criticized by tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Micheál Martin, who expressed disappointment with the party's stance, describing it as a "denial of democracy". The Irish government is scheduled to meet with Heaton-Harris later this week.

Heaton-Harris stressed that his offer was a final one, including a provision of £584m specifically allocated to address public sector pay issues. He reassured that the package acknowledges and responds to the concerns raised by the Northern Ireland parties. Regrettably, there will not be a new executive established to implement this offer and deliver for the people of Northern Ireland before Christmas, Heaton-Harris told reporters.

While no deadline was set for the deal, Heaton-Harris stated that the financial package would remain available on day one of an incoming Northern Ireland Executive. He expressed his willingness to continue discussions with parties during the Christmas period, if desired.

The talks took place against the backdrop of mounting hospital waiting lists and ongoing strikes by public transport workers, teachers, and NHS staff. However, despite these challenges, the DUP ruled out a pre-Christmas agreement to restore Stormont. The party has been boycotting devolved government at Stormont for the past 22 months as a protest against post-Brexit trade arrangements.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson emphasized that there was still no basis to achieve the financial stability required for Northern Ireland. He clarified that there was no agreement reached with the government on the Windsor Framework, highlighting that he had not been informed that the talks had concluded.

In response, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald expressed disappointment over the DUP's decision, stating that it was regrettable that no progress had been made to restore Stormont. McDonald urged for the decision to recall the Assembly to be made, assuring the public's bitter disappointment.

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long found her meeting with Heaton-Harris on Tuesday morning to be useful, acknowledging that the new financial package was much improved. Long placed the ball firmly in the DUP's court now that the Northern Ireland secretary confirmed the conclusion of the Windsor Framework talks.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie regarded the government's £3.3bn offer as a good financial package and called on the DUP to reach a decision. Beattie also emphasized the importance of separate pay deals for public sector workers to be delivered before Christmas, removing it from the ongoing process.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood urged parties to reach a deal to restore devolution, highlighting the pressing concerns regarding public sector pay and services. Eastwood emphasized the worries of the public regarding wages, hospital treatment delays, and the potential collapse of vital public services.

Micheál Martin, also serving as Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, criticized the continued denial of democracy, noting that it has been 18 months since the election. He highlighted the financial difficulties faced by the civil service in managing essential areas such as healthcare and education.