Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has called for the suspension of the Petition of Concern mechanism in Northern Ireland as a way to break the current political deadlock on issues such as same-sex marriage or a standalone Irish language Act. The petition allows a majority of either Nationalist or the Unionist representatives to veto proposals on issues of serious importance, even if they are only a minority of the whole Assembly.

If that were not accepted, Mr Martin proposed that there be a referendum on same sex marriage as an alternative way to settle that issue.

Although a scandal regarding a renewable heat initiative and the extent to which blame fell on Arlene Foster caused the Government to fall, in talks early last year to resolve the political impasse, issues such as same sex marriage and Irish language prevented the parties reaching an agreement.

It is not clear however that resolving same-sex marriage would enable the devolved Government to be restored, or that it is even the most important issue dividing the parties.