· The only thing that’s fresh is the name of the scandal
· It’s time to prioritise the integrity of Stormont
Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has pointed out that 2017 marks the tenth anniversary of the DUP and Sinn Féin agreeing to share power at the heart of the devolved government, and highlighted that the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme is but the latest in a long line of scandals, failures and crises.
Mike Nesbitt MLA said:
“They promised us a Fresh Start, but the only thing that is fresh about the current debacle is that it is not called Red Sky, or NAMA, or the Social Investment Fund.
“What is clear beyond doubt is that this latest scandal proves the DUP and Sinn Féin are incapable of working together.
“What is required now is a collective effort to start the process of restoring public confidence in the integrity of the devolved institutions. That requires leadership, and as our First Minister, Mrs Foster should lead the way by accepting the principle of Ministerial Responsibility and resigning. We also need a judge-led, time-bound public inquiry under the terms of the 2005 Inquiries Act.
"It is high time personal careers played second fiddle to saving Stormont.”