Sinn Fein has issued a statement following the resignation of DUP leader Edwin Poots.
The party has said that "whoever leads the DUP is a matter for that party" following the announcement tonight that another leadership election would be taking place in the coming weeks.
Mr Poots will remain leader of the party until a new one is selected, with him leaving following a revolt among DUP members regarding the selection of Paul Givan as First Minister on Thursday morning and the implementation of the Irish Language Act.
The decision to step down as leader was made at a meeting at the DUP Headquarters on Dundela Avenue in East Belfast this evening.
Following the announcement Sinn Fein issued a statement saying: "Whoever leads the DUP is a matter for that party.
"Sinn Fein has worked for weeks to bring stability to the Executive - our priority is our response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the continued successful roll out of the vaccination programme and rebuilding our economy to sustain jobs and livelihoods.
"We have monumental challenges ahead that will require unity of purpose and urgency.
"They include tackling the totally unacceptable hospital waiting lists that have left people crucified, in pain and without hope.
"That is our focus and should remain the focus of all ministers in the Executive."
