May's election call 'shows disinterest and disdain for Northern Ireland'

The third electoral contest in the region in just over a year beckons against a backdrop of political instability.

Another Stormont ballot cannot be ruled out if a deal forging a devolved administration is not struck within days.

Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) chief Colum Eastwood said: "It tells you all you need to know about Theresa May that she would call a snap Westminster election in the middle of intense efforts to restore powersharing government to Northern Ireland.

"From the beginning of her tenure as British Prime Minister she has shown very little but disinterest and disdain for this place.

"As Theresa May seeks a mandate for a hard Brexit from an English electorate, people here have an opportunity to unite behind parties which have defended their will and sought to protect our values."

Northern Ireland voted Remain by a majority of 56% to 44%, although some large mainly unionist areas opted for an exit.

Two Stormont polls have been held in under a year as powersharing between the two biggest parties, the DUP and Sinn Fein, faltered.

In March a Sinn Fein surge saw the republican party under the leadership of Michelle O'Neill at Stormont emerge with just one seat less than the DUP.

Political rescue talks to restore devolved government are due to conclude by early next month.

If they are unsuccessful, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has to decide whether to call fresh Assembly elections or impose direct rule by ministers from London.