Stormont deadlock: Brokenshire understands 'anger and frustration'
Former secretary of state James Brokenshire has said he understands the "anger and frustration" over the lack of a devolved government in Northern Ireland.
Mr Brokenshire also said his absence from office during a health scare earlier this year may have contributed to the political instability. He met council leaders in Londonderry on Tuesday about a potential city deal. It was his first time back in Northern Ireland since standing down in January. 'Saddened' "I feel keenly the absence of a devolved government and look back with personal disappointment that I had to stand down because of my lung cancer, which needed surgery," Mr Brokenshire said. "I was saddened that it came at a time of political instability here and how my absence contributed to that." He called on those who had a stake in Northern Ireland to "redouble" their efforts to get the institutions up and running again. Asked if assembly members' salaries should be cut, he said it was now a matter for the current Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley. He also said he wanted the vision of a city deal in Derry and Strabane to become a reality. Growth and jobs Chancellor Phillip Hammond announced last month that the government will consider proposals for a city deal. The special status gives local areas specific powers to help support economic growth and job creation. A similar proposal was announced for Belfast in the Budget last year. Mr Brokenshire had previously given his support to a city deal during his time as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. He stepped down from that post in January on health grounds and underwent surgery to remove a lesion from his lung. Karen Bradley then took over the role as Northern Ireland secretary and chaired a fresh round of Stormont talks, which collapsed in February Mr Brokenshire returned to the government front bench in April as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.