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The DUP has prevented a pre-Christmas deal to restore Stormont power-sharing and release extra British Government cash for the struggling health service, the Northern Ireland Secretary has said.<\/p>\nThe DUP has prevented a pre-Christmas deal to restore Stormont power-sharing and release extra British Government cash for the struggling health service, the Northern Ireland Secretary has said.<\/p>\n
Julian Smith said he was \u201cdeeply disappointed\u201d and urged the region\u2019s largest party to reflect on its decision.<\/p>\n
The Irish and British governments and at least three of the main Stormont parties including Sinn F\u00e9in want to re-establish the devolved institutions immediately and end a three-year hiatus which has seen public services suffer.<\/p>\n
The DUP has said outstanding issues under negotiation will not be resolved in the coming days and a significant amount of work remained to be done to achieve a \u201cfair and balanced\u201d agreement.<\/p>\n
Mr Smith said: \u201cWe want all parties to be positively part of the new Stormont.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe DUP is a crucial part of that. I don\u2019t think time is going to make any difference, I think hanging around, delay, not making decisions is not going to make any difference, it is only going to cause more heartache and problems for citizens in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am deeply disappointed that we have not got all five parties in agreement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just hope there is time tonight to reflect on that decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said there were people in the DUP who wanted to move forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would urge them to move forward so that we can get this done.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said his officials were ready to table a draft text of an agreement but would not now do so.<\/p>\n