NORTHERN Ireland will go to the polls in less than two months following the collapse of its power-sharing executive, it has been confirmed.

The Stormont Assembly fell into chaos after Martin McGuinness stepped down as Deputy First Minister last week.

The move was prompted by a scandal over a power subsidy scheme expected to cost taxpayers as much as £490 million.

First Minister Arlene Foster had refused to quit her post to allow an investigation into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to be carried out. Yesterday the assembly failed to reach a deal that could have reestablished political stability, triggering the announcement of the snap poll by Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire.

The minister was legally bound to call the March 2 vote when the deadline passed.

Brokenshire said: “No-one should underestimate the challenge facing the political institutions here in Northern Ireland and what is at stake.

“While it is inevitable that debate during an election period will be intense, I would strongly encourage the political parties to conduct this election with a view to the future of Northern Ireland and re-establishing a partnership government at the earliest opportunity after that poll.

“The Government continues to stand firmly behind its commitment to the Belfast Agreement and its successors, and our responsibilities to safeguard political stability.

“We will continue to do all that we can to find a way forward and secure the continuation of devolved government.”

A statement is expected in Westminster today.

At the start of Assembly business yesterday, Sinn Fein refused to replace McGuinness as deputy first minister one week after he quit, citing irreconcilable differences with his long-term Democratic Unionist partners in government.

Sinn Fein member Michelle O’Neill told the Assembly her party would only would only return to government if there was “real and meaningful change”., stating: “The DUP have treated these institutions and sections of the community with contempt and arrogance.”

According to the terms of the powersharing deal, Foster was unable to continue without a replacement for McGuinness.

The DUP renominated her for the post and, before the deadline, Foster said the electorate did not want or need an election and accused Sinn Fein of acting for political gain.

She said: “They have forced an election that risks Northern Ireland’s future and stability and which suits nobody but themselves.”