East Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA Andy Allen has called for leadership to be shown to restore devolution and deliver for the people of Northern Ireland. 

Mr Allen, his Party’s Communities Spokesperson said: 

“Once again we have seen selfish party political interests being placed ahead of delivering government for the people of Northern Ireland. 

 “Sinn Fein have again walked away from the devolved institutions at Stormont, with total disregard for frontline public services and the people who rely on them - often the most vulnerable in society, who Sinn Fein claim to be concerned about. 

“The Ulster Unionist Party wants to see an Executive at Stormont which puts the interests of the people first.

“Having had an unnecessary and avoidable Assembly election a few weeks ago – which is estimated to have cost the taxpayer in the region of £5 million - we now have a political vacuum at Stormont. We need leadership at Stormont. Leadership to help the community and voluntary sector, which has been left with no option but to place staff on redundancy notice. Leadership to help the nearly 37,000 applicants on the social housing waiting list. Leadership for those impacted by welfare reform, and leadership for the hospitality sector who require modernising of our archaic liquor licensing laws.

“There is a massive job of work to be done, but thus far we have seen nothing short of a complete dereliction of duty from those elected to make this country work. Instead we are facing the prospect of Direct Rule with the inherent uncertainty that entails, not least with regard to public spending and potential increases to the regional rate. Leadership is urgently required.”