The British government will introduce an Irish language act in Northern Ireland in October – if the Stormont Assembly does not do so by September.
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has said her party will nominate a deputy first minister after she said she received a commitment from the UK Government to legislate for Irish language protections at Westminster.
Deputy McDonald said her party would nominate Michelle O’Neill as deputy first minister.
She said on Twitter after midnight: “The British Govt has tonight agreed to legislate for Acht Gaeilge.
“This is the only way to break the cycle of DUP obstruction of rights. Sinn Sinn Féin will nominate[Michelle O’Neill] as Deputy First Minister. We have important work ahead.”