Senior party figures faced pressure to explain their handling of McMonagle's departure.

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has said he hopes Trump will not bring "uncertainty" to US/Irish business relations.

Conor Murphy says the aim is that his department will take over funding the airport from next April.

He said previously that warning of an investigation into an ex-press officer could have prejudiced the case.

The prime minister is warning that next month’s budget is going to be "painful".

Conor Murphy set out the details in an Assembly statement on Monday.

The Economy Minister previously stood down from the position on medical advice

The Economy Minister's party colleague Deirdre Hargey will take on the role on an interim basis.