Stormont crisis: Theresa Villiers issues warning ahead of round-table talks

Theresa Villiers described the talks as crucial for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers has urged politicians not to let the opportunity to secure a bright future slip away, ahead of round-table talks in Belfast.

The discussions are due to take place at Stormont on Monday.

DUP leader Peter Robinson will attend the talks despite being admitted to hospital on Saturday.

Ms Villiers said the talks were "crucial" for Northern Ireland.

"We must deal with continued activity by paramilitary organisations and bring about the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement," she added.

'Brighter future'

"I recognise the scale of the task ahead. We are dealing with very difficult issues.

"But Northern Ireland's political leaders have achieved great things over the past 20 years working together. That same spirit needs to be brought into these talks.

"We must not let this opportunity to build a brighter, more secure future for Northern Ireland slip away."

On Friday, the government said it had commissioned an independent assessment of paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland.

The assessment, to be published in mid-October, will be used to inform parties at Northern Ireland's political talks.

Ms Villiers said she would also establish a fund to tackle organised crime associated with paramilitary groups.

The story of Stormont's crisis

• Stormont's political upheaval was sparked by allegations that Provisional IRA members were involved in the murder of Kevin McGuigan Sr

• Row erupted after a senior Sinn Féin member was arrested as part of the inquiry into Mr McGuigan's death. He was later released without charge

• Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson stepped aside; all but one of his Democratic Unionist Party ministers resigned

• Finance Minister Arlene Foster is now acting first minister

Read more on how the crisis unfolded

Mr Robinson stepped aside as first minister over a week ago amid a deepening crisis at Stormont.

It was sparked by the murder of ex-IRA man Kevin McGuigan Sr, last month.