Following his meeting with the Prime Minister, Theresa May MP, Ulster Unionist Leader, Robin Swann MLA, has stated that a deal between the DUP and Sinn Fein is not over the line and it remains an exclusive two party process.
Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA said:
“Based on our meeting with the Prime Minister, it is clear that a deal is not over the line and the government’s focus remains on encouraging Sinn Fein and the DUP to actually do a deal, whatever that may be.
“We made clear to the Prime Minister that the Ulster Unionist Party wants to play a positive constructive role in these discussions but we remain excluded from the process.
“If the intention is to form a stable and effective Executive, then this talks process would need to move to the next stage very rapidly.
“The whole premise of the Belfast Agreement was inclusivity. This process has shown no indication of that.
“The long suffering people of Northern Ireland have been subjected to over a year of self-indulgence and political posturing while waiting lists and school budgets are out of control.
“It is well beyond time for the DUP and Sinn Fein to front up and reveal what agreement they have reached so far.”