Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley has begun her first full day in office, a year to the day since the collapse of power-sharing at Stormont.
Last January, Sinn Féin's late deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned from the governing coalition in protest against the DUP's handling of a green energy scheme.
Several rounds of negotiations between the two main parties since then have failed to break the deadlock.
Today, Sinn Féin launched a poster campaign to set out its policy for any fresh attempt to restore power-sharing.
The party has said that there can be no return to the status quo at Stormont.
Ms Bradley, who may travel to Belfast as early as tomorrow, said she recognised the challenges that lay ahead and that the formation of an executive at Stormont was her "top priority".
"Clearly, there are immediate challenges," she said.
"It is now a year since Northern Ireland has had an effective, functioning power-sharing administration, and forming a Northern Ireland Executive, to deliver for the benefit of all, is my top priority.
"I believe a devolved government in Belfast is best placed to address these issues and take the key decisions which affect people's day to day lives, whether these relate to the economy, public services or issues of policing and justice."
Sinn Féin’s leader in the North, Michelle O'Neill has said she has spoken with Ms Bradley and that she has reiterated the party's view to her, saying that Sinn Féin want the executive restored.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime, she said the party worked hard to make sure the executive and the institutions worked and the party is 100% committed to them, but added that the government can only work if it serves "all of its people", saying "this is not unreasonable".
The party's deputy leader has said the party is ready for a sustainable deal that delivers power-sharing in "all of its fullness".
Speaking on RTÉ's Six One News, Mary Lou McDonald said the party is disappointed and frustrated that an agreement has not been reached.
DUP leader Arlene Foster has said she has also spoken with Ms Bradley, saying she looked forward to establishing a strong working relationshgip.
Had the opportunity to speak to our new Secretary of State, Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP. I welcomed her to her new post and I look forward to establishing a strong working relationship in the months ahead @NIOPressOffice
— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) January 9, 2018
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood accused the DUP and Sinn Féin of abdicating the responsibility that comes with power.
"More and more people have come to the realisation that the moment of collapse last January was the product of a deeper malaise over the course of a decade of failure," he said.
"That 10-year period tells a story of DUP intransigence and Sinn Féin weakness."
Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said Mrs Bradley should prioritise the roll out of a public consultation on proposals to deal with the legacy of the conflict.
"Any delay will just kick the can down the road and leave those waiting for justice let down once again," he said.
Alliance leader Naomi Long said the public's patience had been stretched to breaking point.
"Further drift is not acceptable, our people are suffering, budgets are being cut, services are under extraordinary pressure and no decisions can be taken to alleviate any of that," she said.
"The past year has seen not only a lack of political progress but also the already fractious relationships between several parties becoming even further damaged due to lack of respect, bad attitudes and a seeming unwillingness to resolve the issues on the table."
Ms Bradley's appointment follows the resignation of James Brokenshire because of ill health.
His departure coincided with a cabinet reshuffle by British Prime Minister Theresa May who will focus on junior ministerial changes today.
The former accountant moves from her former role as culture secretary.
She is a former organised crime minister at the Home Office who signed off the law making the National Crime Agency, the British FBI, fully operational in Northern Ireland.
The Staffordshire Moorlands MP, whose constituency covers the Peak District in central England, is married with two children.
She was selected for Staffordshire Moorlands in July 2006 and was returned to parliament at the general election in 2010.
In February 2014, she became minister for modern slavery and organised crime at the Home Office.
Ms Bradley introduced the Serious Crime Act to tackle organised crime and secured the passage of the Modern Slavery Act.
She was promoted to secretary of state for culture, media and sport in the government reshuffle in July 2016.
