Ulster Unionist economy spokesperson Adrian Cochrane - Watson MLA has hit out at the DUP for its apparent empty chair policy of not attending important meetings on the economy.

Mr Cochrane- Watson said:

“On two successive days, the DUP have absented themselves from important meetings on matters of vital economic importance.  Firstly they, alone amongst the major parties, did not participate in a panel session on renewable energy at the Northern Ireland Renewables Industry Group annual conference.  Then none of the 4 DUP members of the Assembly's Enterprise Committee travelled to meet our counterparts in the Dublin parliament to be briefed by InterTradeIreland and attend the launch of an important economic report.  On both occasions the only unionist in the room was myself, and the only unionist party present was the Ulster Unionist Party.

“This is significant due to the fact that the DUP are in charge of the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment. 

“It is also the case that there is a vacuum at DETI when it comes to energy policy.  There is no sense of direction from the Minister in terms of closing or replacing the current support mechanism for renewables, the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation.

“Cross border trade is another massively important policy area, considering that the Republic is our biggest trading partner.  Again however, there is no sense that the Minister has a plan to increase trade for our mutual benefit.  If he and his party have a plan, they need to be at the table representing the interests of Northern Ireland.

“It appears that, although the in out, hokey cokey Ministerial routine has officially ended, the DUP continue to be part-time and semi-detached.  Leaving empty chairs at important meetings is not showing leadership, and is not delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.”