Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has said that the failure to achieve an agreement at Stormont is a serious setback for Northern Ireland in the Brexit negotiations.
Mr Nicholson said:
“The lack of any deal at Stormont is leaving Northern Ireland politically paralysed in the current Brexit negotiations. For ten months now Northern Ireland has had its voice silenced with no Executive.
“The business, agri, and community/voluntary sectors have no direction, clarity or direct input into the negotiations.
“The people of Northern Ireland deserve better on what any potential Brexit deal will be like, and the lack of a functioning Executive is leaving Northern Ireland officially voiceless.
“Now more than ever it is important to have Northern Ireland Ministers in place to speak up and advocate for Northern Ireland in the negotiations.
“As we are moving ever closer to the December European Council meeting of all EU Prime Ministers, there are major issues pertaining to Northern Ireland which may not be fully addressed.
“Whilst the negotiations in Brussels are progressing, Northern Ireland’s two largest political parties are stuck in what seems to be an ever extending talks process with no direction or end in sight.”