Ulster Unionist MLA and party agriculture spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson has hit out at Sinn Fein and the DUP, calling their recent actions on farm funding 'political shadowboxing.'

Mrs Dobson said:

"It is surprising, given the extremely close working relationship between these two political parties, that this issue ended up in the High Court. It is political shadowboxing.

"It is also extremely unhelpful for farmers to see their funding tied up in what is little more than a political pantomime. An expensive High Court challenge is no way to support the future of the local industry.

"Many welcomed the opportunity for regional flexibility when it was provided from Europe, but it was never intended to become a political football.

"The Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan said it was “a case about political failure". I'm sure that many farmers will agree - a political failure which I fear farmers will ultimately have to pay for.

"A stand-off over funding between the two largest parties in the Executive is no way to support our farmers and the wider industry. The priorities for rural development should have been agreed beforehand which would have avoided the situation which we are presently faced with.

"As we head into a New Year, farmers will be looking to Stormont for strong leadership - something which both Sinn Fein and DUP have failed to provide.

"I would encourage both these parties to meet urgently with farmers and their representatives - the lack of an Executive response to funding for the Agri-Food Strategy Board's 'Going for Growth' Action Plan shows what little emphasis is being placed on the future of farming in Northern Ireland.

"As we enter a New Year Executive Ministers need to look again at their priorities and put our farmers first."