Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA, has called for Sinn Fein and the DUP to publish the details of the 'accommodation' which they reached.

Ulster Unionist Leader, Robin Swann MLA, said:

“Here we are again. This talks process has ended in another shambles. This is what happens when you allow an exclusive two party process to fester. It has resulted in stalemate, polarisation and failure.

“The question must now be asked, is the door to devolution still open or is it firmly closed? The Ulster Unionist Party is a devolutionist party and we firmly believe we need local politicians making locally accountable decisions.

“However Northern Ireland and its people can no longer be held to ransom by those who don’t have their interests at heart. We have neither direct rule nor devolved government. That cannot continue. If we are at the stage where a budget has to be set again in Westminster, so be it.

“The DUP and Sinn Fein should now have no fear in publishing what they have agreed so far. Print it, publish it online – do it whatever way they want, but it is vitally important that the people of Northern Ireland know what ‘accommodation’ they did reach. It`s time for openness and transparency and for both parties to let everyone know where they got to, outside a select few in the leadership of each party. It`s time to front up. And if they won`t do it then the Government should print what it knows.

“The DUP and Sinn Fein need to take responsibility for their own decisions, explain clearly how they arrived at those decisions and why.

“There is now a huge responsibility on the Government to step in and also reflect on the failure to engage other parties in an inclusive talks process. It is ridiculous that 402 days of stalemate has been allowed to continue without any consideration of alternatives such as voluntary coalition.”