Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has said that comments by Michelle Gildernew which suggest Sinn Fein might be prepared to end abstentionism and that the British ‘have no need to involve themselves in Irish politics’ display how desperate she is becoming.   

Mr Elliott, who is his Party’s Westminster candidate for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, said:

"It is quite clear that Michelle Gildernew is so concerned at the prospect of losing her Westminster seat that she is prepared to hint at ditching the only policy which Sinn Fein has to offer in a Westminster election – abstentionism.

“For almost a century Sinn Fein has pursued a policy of not taking its seats at Westminster, yet in this week’s Fermanagh Herald, Michelle Gildernew did not rule out Sinn Fein taking up its seats in the future saying, ‘never say never.’

“Later in the interview she is quoted as saying, ‘I don't feel the British have any need to involve themselves in Irish politics’ which is quite extraordinary given Martin McGuinness's persistent criticism of how the Prime Minister David Cameron has disengaged.

“I wonder if in her next interview she will condemn Martin McGuinness for demanding a meeting in Downing Street? Perhaps she believes David Cameron should have stayed away from the Stormont house Agreement? If the British have no need to involve themselves in Irish politics then just why did Sinn Fein engage with the Secretary of State in the Stormont House process?

“We are now exactly three weeks away from polling day and this interview represents the words of a candidate who has lost the plot. My message is perfectly clear. I promise the people of Fermanagh & South Tyrone that I will do my utmost to ensure that they receive representation at Westminster.”