×        Groundhog day again in Northern Ireland politics

×        Rights, equality and respect are not a one-way street

×        Devolution remains best option for Northern Ireland

Ulster Unionist Leader, Robin Swann MLA, said:

“I am an optimist and not even I can see a positive in this process anymore. I am disgusted with the way this process has been handled. It has been an abject failure. Last week I called for cool heads, but some seemed to take that as an excuse for complacency.

“The two largest parties have been given their two biggest mandates ever but they still haven`t been able to reach agreement for the good of all the people of Northern Ireland. Despite being given time and space it`s groundhog day yet again in Northern Ireland politics. This is a shame and disgrace.

“We are now in a process without structure or direction and if we`re not careful devolution could drift into an abyss.

“I`ve said numerous times during this process that devolution remains the best option for the people of Northern Ireland. We are now at the stage where the two largest parties need to re-commit themselves to a workable devolution where ideology does not trump the needs of the most vulnerable. The wellbeing of all our people should not be used as a pawn in negotiations nor should they be held to ransom by Sinn Fein demands. Rights, equality and respect are not a one-way street.

“I am still convinced that local politicians delivering for people in Northern Ireland is the best settlement. We cannot take devolution for granted. If Westminster is forced to step in it will be a long time before we see the devolved institutions restored.”