For more than 11 months Northern Ireland has been without a functioning government as the two largest political parties are deadlocked in round after round of political talks.
With numerous deadlines having past the Secretary of State, James Brokenshire, has been forced to set a budget for the current financial year before departments ran out of money.
As the DUP and Sinn Féin continue to dance around the issues there is, at present, no sign of an Executive being formed. To enable the Assembly to sit again the parties must agree to appoint ministers, including a First Minister and Deputy First Minster.
While we await whether they will ever agree to form an Executive here are your top 5 things you need to know about the current crisis.
1. The Collapse
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme was the ostensible cause of the collapse there was much more behind the decision of the late Martin McGuinness to pull Sinn Féin out of government. While the RHI investigation rolls on the other issues, remain the focus for the current talks.
2. Language and rights
The Irish Language Act has been a focus for one of what Sinn Féin has described as their ‘redlines’. While supposed to be implemented after previous rounds of talks it is a ‘hard sell’ for the DUP to its supporters. While party leader, Arlene Foster made some cautious comments in the summer the reaction of the core following ended that. Whether they can sell an act including other languages to Sinn Féin remains in the balance. Added to that is the lack of agreement on a Bill of Rights and same sex marriage someone will have to compromise if there is to be any progress.
3. Pay
There has been much talk about cutting MLA’s pay as they haven’t been sitting since the collapse. The reality is that 70% of an MLA’s time goes on to constituency work. As Mr Brokenshire has said he is looking at the issue a 30% cut may be on the cards.
4. The Past
The legacy of the Troubles looms large over the talks. Alleged security forces killings have been a focus for both sides with the DUP lobbying at Westminster to exempt former soldiers and Sinn Féin demanding a financial boost for investigations. The atmosphere around was heightened when Arlene Foster accusing Sinn Féin of a flawed attitude to the past.
5. Direct Rule
Direct Rule would mean that Conservative Ministers would take over the running of Northern Ireland departments. Sinn Féin are strongly against this, while DUP see it as inevitable if the talks go no further. Mired in Brexit negotiations the Conservatives are unlikely to leap at this, but if there is no progress after Christmas their hand may be forced.