The Northern Ireland government is unlikely to meet again until the autumn as a result of a stand-off between the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein.

Critics hit out at the parties after confirmation that an Executive meeting set for Thursday was cancelled at short notice, with no further meetings scheduled for the rest of the summer.

Opposition parties blamed the delay on divisions between the two biggest parties who are split over the devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont

The Ulster Unionists and the nationalist SDLP who also have seats on the Assembly's ruling Executive accused Sinn Fein of exercising a veto on Cabinet meetings until the DUP moves on key issues.

The DUP and Sinn Fein, who are deadlocked over issues including the transfer of policing powers and an Irish language act, denied there was a crisis.