The current powersharing arrangement in Northern Ireland is in doubt after Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt announced he has recommended that his party withdraw from the executive in light of recent developments concerning the Provisional IRA.
Here's a recap of the events leading to today's announcement:
Tuesday 5 May
Former IRA leader Gerard 'Jock' Davison is fatally shot close to the community centre where he worked in Welsh Street in the Markets area of Belfast city.
Police say they do not believe there was a sectarian motive
Wednesday 12 August
Kevin McGuigan is shot dead in the Short Strand area of Belfast.
Thursday 20 August
Police suspect current members of the Provisional IRA of involvement in the murder of Mr McGuigan, a father-of-nine.
Detectives say they are not in a position to assess whether the killing was ordered by a command structure within the outlawed and supposedly defunct organisation.
Friday 21 August
Gerry Adams hits out at those who "opportunistically and cynically" used the killing of Mr McGuigan to criticise Sinn Féin.
The Sinn Féin President says the IRA was not involved in what he called the brutal murder.
He calls those who were involved "criminals who do not represent republicanism" and says anyone with information should bring it forward to the PSNI.
Saturday 22 August
PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton says individual members cooperated in shooting dead Mr McGuigan but organisational structures have brought members of the outlawed organisation along the path of peace,
He says some structures have changed, some have been dissolved and those remaining are not being used for terrorism.
Monday 24 August
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers plays down speculation that the power-sharing administration at Stormont could collapse because of suspected IRA links to the murder of Mr McGuigan.
She says the PSNI should be allowed to continue with its investigation into the killings of Mr McGuigan and Mr Davison.
Tuesday 25 August
Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald asks the Garda Commissioner to conduct a "fresh assessment" of the activities of the Provisional IRA in light of the PSNI investigation into the murders.
In a statement, Ms Fitzgerald says: "Recent developments are of considerable concern but what we need to do now is establish all the current facts and that is what is happening in the rigorous investigation being carried out by the PSNI."
Wednesday 26 August
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt recommends that his party withdraw from powersharing in Northern Ireland. His recommendation will be voted by on by the UUP on Saturday.
