Northern Ireland's Martin McGuinness to resign over political crisis

Martin McGuinness has announced his resignation as Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland in protest at the Democratic Unionist Party's handling of a botched renewable energy scheme.

The Sinn Fein veteran's move, which will come into effect at 5pm GMT today, is likely to lead to a snap Assembly election in the region.
Mr McGuinness announced his decision after his partner in government, DUP First Minister Arlene Foster, repeatedly refused to step down to facilitate a probe into the ill-fated Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) - a scheme that has left Stormont facing a £490 million (€565 million) overspend.
Mr McGuinness said he was resigning with "deep regret and reluctance".
"The First Minister has refused to stand aside, without prejudice, pending a preliminary report from an investigation.
"That position is not credible or tenable."
He made clear that Sinn Fein would not replace him in the role.
As a consequence, the collapse of the institutions and an election are now inevitable.
"We now need an election to allow the people to make their own judgment on these issues democratically, at the ballot box," he said.
Mrs Foster presided over the ill-fated RHI while economy...