TÁNAISTE and Minister of Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has met with political representatives in Belfast following the death of a journalist.

The Cork South-Central TD travelled to the North to discuss the current impasse in Stormont in light of the death of activist and journalist Lyra McKee.

Ms McKee, aged 29, was fatally shot during unrest in Derry on Thursday night by a dissident republican-linked group.

Sinn Féin leader in the north Michelle O’Neill was seen entering an Irish government residence in Belfast for the meeting late yesterday afternoon.

A spokesman for the Alliance Party told the Press Association: “Simon Coveney and Naomi Long have had a phone call this morning and will be speaking again later today.

“We are aware the Tánaiste is travelling to Belfast for a series of private meetings.”

The death of Ms McKee has caused widespread outrage amongst political and community leaders and sparked SDLP leader Colum Eastwood to call for talks between the Northern Ireland parties to restore the government in Stormont. 

“There is an unmistakable public desire that the tragic and terrible loss of Lyra McKee marks a turning point for our peace and political process,” he said.