Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“We are facing difficult times in Northern Ireland. We have seen the collapse of the Executive and the prospect new elections; we have the uncertainty and instability created by the failure of the Sinn Fein Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir to produce a budget; there is uncertainty that after elections a government can be formed; and we also have the uncertainty as to what may happen following the triggering of article 50 to begin the BREXIT process.

“Individuals on both sides of the border are justly concerned about the uncertainty that faces society. Therefore it is incumbent on political leaders not to heighten those fears and concerns and say anything that could create the space or political vacuum that could be filled by violence.

“I have long taken issue with Sinn Fein’s leader Gerry Adams, and I do not believe he has credibility as a political leader. However, as someone in a position of leadership, he must act responsibly.

“His words at a United Ireland conference in the Mansion House Dublin could be seen as inflammatory and inciting violence. For him to say BREXIT will destroy the Belfast Agreement will cause fear in the minds of many that we could return to the days before the Belfast Agreement, where violence was an everyday occurrence. When these comments are added to the inflammatory language that BREXIT can be viewed as a hostile act, he invites the notion that could be interpreted by some physical force republicans, that a hostile act could justifiably be countered by other hostile acts.

“Gerry Adams must now clarify exactly what he means by both comments. When BREXIT is triggered, will Sinn Fein withdraw support for the Belfast Agreement? Furthermore, just exactly what does he mean by a ‘hostile act’ and what does he expect republicans to do to counter such an act?

“We all know there is an election around the corner and Gerry Adams might just be playing the familiar role of the playground bully in a bid to appeal to more hard line republicans. Nonetheless, his words are dangerous for someone in a leadership position and he should explain exactly what he means.”