Northern Ireland's politicians are preparing to take their seats in the Stormont assembly for the first time since October 2002, however there is no immediate prospect of a power sharing executive being formed. The Government is hopeful the recalling of the politicians will help pave the way towards a deal in the autumn, before its deadline of 24 November. Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said "we've got to end this whole process of procrastination and build the trust necessary to get power sharing up and running, and I believe we can."
Devolved Government was suspended over unproven allegations of a republican spy ring, and Direct Rule from London was restored in October 2004. It has been in place ever since. Under these temporary rules, policy matters can be debated but laws cannot be made.
