DUP 'must now make big decision'

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It is now up to the DUP to make "a very big decision" following the assembly election, Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness has said.

He insisted his party would be there and ready to form a government when the 26 March deadline arrived.

Everyone was now waiting for the DUP, he said.

However, the DUP has said the conditions have to be right for the party to go into government with Sinn Fein.

Speaking in Dublin, Mr McGuinness said: "This is a time of great hope and opportunity.

"It is clear that the vast majority of people on the island - nationalist, republican and unionist - want the process to move forward."

He added: "Over the next fortnight, the DUP have a big decision to make.

"They went into the election saying they are ready for government and they got a massive endorsement for this position. I hope that Ian Paisley will now see the benefits of doing the right thing."

However, speaking on Friday, DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson said: "When the conditions are met, the Democratic Unionist Party is ready.

Ian Paisley's DUP emerged as the largest party

"It is up to other people to meet the requirements as soon as it is possible. Let them get on with it and stop dragging their feet."

The DUP emerged as the largest party in Northern Ireland's Assembly election.

The party secured 36 of the 108 seats, with Sinn Fein taking 28. The Ulster Unionist Party won 18 seats, the SDLP 16, and the Alliance Party seven seats.