WATCH: Positive mood sets the tone for renewed Stormont talks

By Q Radio news

The Secretary of State has now met with all of Northern Ireland's main political parties - in a fresh bid to get Stormont back up and running.

Northern Ireland has been without a functioning executive for almost three years  - because of a row between Sinn Fein and the DUP.

It's hoped the crippling state of the health service - and losses in last week's election - will give politicians the push needed to break the political deadlock.

Secretary of State Julian Smith - says political leaders have all been hearing the same message:

🎥 NI Secretary @JulianSmithUK says talks with the five main political parties today were very positive and they had a “heartening” set of discussions. pic.twitter.com/4jEM4DtHnC

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 16, 2019

If they can't get devolution running again by Mid January, an assembly election will be called. 

DUP leader Arlene Foster says she hopes it won't come to that:

🎥 @DUPleader Arlene Foster says she had good engagement with @JulianSmithUK but a number of issues still need to be resolved. She also says she believes an assembly can be restored and up and running in the New Year. pic.twitter.com/05WsKL9y9a

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 16, 2019

Irish language activists and healthcare workers staged separate protests outside Stormont House as the talks were taking place inside.

The demonstrations had a festive theme as Unison health union members sang carols with the words changed to highlight their demands for pay parity with workers in the rest of the UK.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the electorate had delivered a message to the politicians that they needed to get back to work.

"People have made it very clear they are sick of this - they are sick of this standoff, it hasn't solved anybody's problems, it hasn't taken anybody off a waiting list, it hasn't fixed nurses' pay, it hasn't done any of that.

"The only way you do that is by getting into government and taking responsibility."

🎥 SDLP leader @columeastwood says Stormont needs to get back up and running for the sake of issues including our health care and poverty. He met with Secretary of State at Stormont House for fresh talks to restore devolution. pic.twitter.com/rc3po3qkOa

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 16, 2019

Irish language activists and healthcare workers staged separate protests outside Stormont House as the talks were taking place inside.

The demonstrations had a festive theme as Unison health union members sang carols with the words changed to highlight their demands for pay parity with workers in the rest of the UK.

Scores of children from Irish language schools wore Santa hats as they marched to the front of Parliament Buildings calling for legislation.

Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken said he had raised concerns about the health service during his meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith.

"The one thing we must see is a responsible and accountable government brought back and one where the challenges of the past are identified and that is going to mean significant changes across the board and if we can't get reformation in the process we have to ask ourselves what's the point of bringing it back.

🎥 UUP leader @SteveAikenUUP says he had a long and “fruitful” talk with SOS @JulianSmithUK about the health crisis here and restoring devolution. He also says it’s realistic NOT to expect a deal before Christmas. pic.twitter.com/UGCENNiYbG

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 16, 2019

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said a deal could be done ahead of the middle of January, when legislation that gives civil servants added powers to run Northern Ireland's public services expires.

"We are there to be constructive, we are there to be positive, we are there to deliver an Assembly that actually works for the people of Northern Ireland," she said.

"We have three working weeks to deliver, so this week can't be about people sitting around and licking their wounds or preening themselves after last week's elections.

🎥 Alliance party has met with Secretary of State @JulianSmithUK ahead of talks aimed at restoring Stormont. Party leader @naomi_long says the meeting was “constructive” and “positive”. She also says bilateral meetings will take place among parties later. pic.twitter.com/TJADrOKkVN

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 16, 2019

After talks with Mr Smith, Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald said any executive formed had to be "inclusive", with all parties involved.

"We need a clear commitment from parties to really show up for work and form an executive," she said.

🎥 Following meeting with @JulianSmithUK Sinn Féin President @MaryLouMcDonald says an agreement is absolutely possible if all parties play their part. She says there are “3 ingredients” to success - resolution on outstanding issues, formation of executive and a cash injection. pic.twitter.com/bQOANxKBog

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 16, 2019