Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has welcomed the early resolution of the Conservative Party leadership contest with Theresa May MP looking set to be appointed as their leader and the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Mr Nesbitt said:
“I look forward to hearing final formal confirmation later today that Theresa May MP is to become the next Leader of the Conservative Party and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I offer my best wishes to Mrs May as she embarks on guiding the country through what will be intense negotiations to leave the EU. The UK needs certainty and this is the first small step on the road so that we are not facing a summer of disquiet. We need strong coherent government with an effective opposition.
“The result of the referendum is behind us and now is a time to focus on what is good for all the people of the United Kingdom and that means getting the best deal possible for the country outside the EU. Theresa May visited Northern Ireland a couple of days before the referendum when I had the pleasure of introducing her to a prominent player in the agri-food business who left her in no doubt of the many challenges the local economy would face if the UK voted to leave the EU.
“It is vitally important that she hears Northern Ireland`s voice loud and clear and that means bringing an end to the period of drift which seems to have engulfed the Northern Ireland Executive.
“And that can start by the Finance Minister making clear the results of his discussions with his Scottish and Welsh counterparts today.”