\n<\/p>\n
Ahead of the meetings, Sinn F\u00e9in’s chief whip Sinead Ennis said: “Reform alone cannot undo the history of British underfunding and austerity or overcome the reality that some parties are fundamentally opposed to power sharing and partnership.”<\/p>\n
The DUP has repeatedly said Stormont’s finances cannot be solved alone with a one-off injection of cash from London, but requires a longer-term change to how Northern Ireland is funded.<\/p>\n
It has also not ruled out backing reform proposals but has not spelled out what specific plans it could support.<\/p>\n
Alliance leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long called on the government to tie “hand-in-hand” efforts to reform Stormont with stabilising the executive’s finances.<\/p>\n
“While intense negotiations have been ongoing with the UK Government to secure the additional funding we need, we will inevitably find ourselves back in this same position in a few years’ time unless a cash injection is tied to fundamental reform of the political institutions,” she said.<\/p>\n
“The Secretary of State has recognised the importance of institutional reform and we must seize on that momentum to future-proof the Assembly and remove the risk of veto and collapse from our system of government for good.”<\/p>\n
Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows said that with “more money must come with greater responsibility”.<\/p>\n
He added: “Perpetual crisis, followed by another demand for more money, is not a budget process. It is a habit, and the public has lost patience with it.”<\/p>\n
Claire Hanna, the leader of the SDLP – Stormont’s official opposition – said Monday’s talks must mark a “change in approach” from both the executive and Westminster.<\/p>\n
“We welcome the fact that the Prime Minister and Secretary of State appear to recognise the urgency of preventing another drift towards stand-off and crisis.<\/p>\n
“But Monday’s meeting must be about more than managing the latest disagreement.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n