Ulster Unionist Party Chief Whip, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has stated that Northern Ireland is heading towards direct rule unless something dramatically changes within the next 24 hours.
Steve Aiken OBE MLA said:
“It is very clear that we are heading towards direct rule unless something dramatically changes in the next 24 hours. And it is unlikely that there will be a deal before the DUP and Sinn Fein Party conferences. Arlene Foster won`t want to be trying to sell a deal which contains an Irish Language Act and Gerry Adams will lose face if he tries to sell a deal which doesn`t have one. Therein lies the problem.
“Ultimately Sinn Fein`s position in negotiations will be decided in the Felons Club in west Belfast. It`s time that individuals within Sinn Fein started standing up and speaking out against those who have led them into the present political cul-de-sac. Other Sinn Fein members in the Republic of Ireland have done it, it`s a pity some didn`t do the same in Northern Ireland. All communities are being affected by this political impasse, including their own.”