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<p>The basis on which the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland shall set a date
for the election is set out in the Northern Ireland Act 1998. As the Secretary of
State has said, we do not believe that holding an election during this time of significant
change and political uncertainty would be helpful or would increase the prospects
of restoring the Executive.</p><p> </p><p>That is why the NI (Executive Formation
and Exercise of Functions) Act provides for a limited period during which there is
no legal requirement to call a further election and during which an Executive may
be formed at any time. This will provide the time and space needed to work with the
parties towards a further phase of talks to restore the Executive.</p>
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