The full text of the statement from the British and Irish governments following the Stormont elections.

The people of Northern Ireland have now spoken. The two governments respect the mandates the parties have received and hope that the parties recognise that with success comes responsibility. The vast majority of the people of Northern Ireland want to see devolved government. The future of devolution now lies in the hands of those elected to the Northern Ireland assembly.

Over the coming days, the two governments will be in contact with the parties to seek a political way forward and to secure a basis on which the assembly can be restored and a functioning executive quickly established. Working with the parties, we will do our utmost to achieve those objectives, mindful that any devolution must be stable and fully inclusive.

In our firm view, the Good Friday Agreement remains the only viable political framework that is capable of securing the support of both communities in Northern Ireland. We are determined that its wide ranging provisions will continue to be implemented. The Good Friday Agreement has been endorsed in referendums in both parts of the island.

In the coming days, both governments will invite the parties to submit their views in regard to the conduct and agenda of the four-year review of the Good Friday Agreement. This is a review of the operation of the agreement. Its fundamentals are not open to renegotiation. In the light of the views received, the two Governments will finalise and present proposals for undertaking the review in early January.

The prime minister and the taoiseach met this morning [Friday] and intend to meet again before Christmas to review the prospects for political progress in light of contacts with the parties. While the coming period presents challenges for the process, it also represents a period of opportunity. We call on all parties to work constructively together, and with the governments to consolidate and develop the progress that has been made over recent years.