Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire seemed to rule out calling on an independent mediator ahead of the next round of inter-party talks at Stormont. After Monday’s deadline for forming an Executive passed without agreement, Mr Brokenshire said he does not believe there is an appetite for another Assembly election. He has invited parties to an “intensive” round of talks on Monday.

The UK government triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, commencing the formal Brexit process. Prime Minister Theresa May said it was “an historic moment from which there can be no turning back.” European Council President Donald Tusk said it was not a happy occasion. On Northern Slant, this writer shared the blog on Britain’s relationship with the European project: Europe, we hardly knew you. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon delivered her own letter, to the Prime Minister, demanding that Scotland hold a referendum on its independence.

Brexit Secretary David Davis stated the UK government’s view that, post-Brexit, should the people of Northern Ireland vote to join a united Ireland they would be in a position of becoming part of an existing EU member state. Northern Ireland would not have to join the EU as a new independent state. Previously, Taoiseach Enda Kenny raised the example of East Germany joining the EU when it reunited with West Germany.

South African President Jacob Zuma sacked half of his cabinet in what has been termed a “midnight massacre”. The sacking of finance minister Pravin Gordhan – seen as a safe pair of hands – shook markets and divided the ruling political party, the African National Congress (ANC). Opposition parties, who accuse President Zuma of corruption, say Mr Gordhan was sacked because he was obstructing President Zuma and his allies from gaining access to state funds.

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and Supreme Court backed down from a move to strip congress of its legislative powers after this sparked widespread protest and charges that the country was no longer a democracy. On Saturday the court reinstated congress’ authority but opposition leaders say the u-turn is too little too late. They say the episode highlights that Mr Maduro controls the courts and there is no longer a real separation of powers in Venezuela.