Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister Martin McGuinness has resigned from office in protest over his power-sharing partner’s handling of a botched energy scheme.

The decision by the Sinn Fein leader all but guarantees snap elections in the province.

“Over this period of the elections, both the British government and the DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) in my opinion have grievously undermined the institutions and have eroded public confidence. So we in Sinn Fein will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster (First Minister of Northern Ireland) and the DUP,” McGuinness said.

McGuinness’ move came after the DUP’s First Minister Arlene Foster refused to step down over her role in a renewable heating scheme.

That’s estimated to have left Stormont with a 560 million euro overspend.

Sinn Fein has seven days to nominate McGuinness’ successor, but has already said it will not replace him.