She described the current stalemate over the proposed budget as one of the most pressing issues facing the Stormont Executive. The larger Stormont parties met with Secretary of State Hilary Benn in a series of meetings in Belfast and London this week. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn (Stefan Rousseau/PA)Finance Minister John O’Dowd published his draft spending plan for a multi-year budget last week and has sent the proposals out for public consultation. He said Northern Ireland must be funded according to need, and also emphasised a responsibility to cut any wasteful spending. “The UK Government remains committed to a stable and prosperous Northern Ireland and looks forward to the Executive agreeing a budget.”

Source: The Herald January 14, 2026 17:17 UTC