Stormont deadlock: Brokenshire understands 'anger and frustration'

Former secretary of state James Brokenshire has said he understands the "anger and frustration" over the lack of a devolved government in Northern Ireland.

Mr Brokenshire also said his absence from office during a health scare earlier this year may have contributed to the political instability.

He met council leaders in Londonderry on Tuesday about a potential city deal.

It was his first time back in Northern Ireland since standing down in January.

"I feel keenly the absence of a devolved government and look back with personal disappointment that I had to stand down because of my lung cancer, which needed surgery," Mr Brokenshire said.

"I was saddened that it came at a time of political instability here and how my absence contributed to that."

He called on those who had a stake in Northern Ireland to "redouble" their efforts to get the institutions up and running again.

Asked if assembly members' salaries should be cut, he said it was now a matter for the current Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley.

He also said he wanted the vision of a city deal in Derry and Strabane to become a reality.

Chancellor Phillip Hammond announced last month that the government will consider proposals for a city deal.

The special status gives local areas specific powers to help support economic growth and job creation.

A similar proposal was announced for Belfast in the Budget last year.

Mr Brokenshire had previously given his support to a city deal during his time as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

He stepped down from that post in January on health grounds and underwent surgery to remove a lesion from his lung.

Karen Bradley then took over the role as Northern Ireland secretary and chaired a fresh round of Stormont talks, which collapsed in February

Mr Brokenshire returned to the government front bench in April as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.