Northern Ireland's devolved government is in "a precarious place" with "the wheels coming off Stormont," according to Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy, who delivered his verdict after parties separately met Sir Chris Bryant during his first visit as secretary of state. Murphy insisted Sinn Féin remains committed to power sharing, but accused the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of lacking "a political will to make the executive work."

DUP leader Gavin Robinson fired back with a metaphor that would make a mechanic wince: Murphy "should tighten his nuts," while his party remains "interested in delivering" for the people of Northern Ireland.

Parties in the Executive have been clamouring for increased funding from the government to set a budget. Murphy, however, sounded a broader alarm: "The British government can't coast along, and neither can Dublin coast along in the hope that things will be better on the other side. They need to engage now." He urged engagement with all parties, including the DUP, to foster "collaboration and cooperation" rather than the recent years of bickering.

Robinson countered that his colleagues are "committed to not only the institutions but delivering for the people we are proud to represent." Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly defended her party's record, noting, "What you don't see us doing is when we don't get our way on a particular issue, is coming out and throwing a tantrum." (The DUP's track record might suggest otherwise, but we digress.)

Alliance leader Naomi Long warned that without more flexibility and goodwill, "we are going to struggle to make it to the next election." She acknowledged the institutions are always precarious and that collapse is "a possibility" given either big party can walk away. Her prescription: "Everyone needs to take a step back and deep breath. Focus on the next 10 months on what we can deliver."

Ulster Unionist Party's Diane Armstrong called for stability, citing "a positive and frank engagement" with the secretary of state and echoing the funding concerns. She urged both Sinn Féin and the DUP to "be responsible in their Executive position" and agree to reform "to make Northern Ireland work."

Sir Chris's visit included meetings at Hillsborough Castle, marking his first trip since his appointment following Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Cabinet reshuffle earlier this month. Whether he can keep the wheels on remains to be seen, but the toolkit is clearly out.