The Ulster Unionist Party Officers met in Belfast today. They issued the following statement after their meeting:
“Since late 2016 the DUP has played fast and loose with the future of unionism. Firstly, by a combination of arrogance and incompetence they created the opportunity for Sinn Fein to bring down Stormont and force a new set of negotiations on Gerry Adams' terms.
“Secondly, they enter negotiations based on a Sinn Fein agenda and end up on the cusp of an Irish language act and changes that could have led to Gerry Kelly being Justice Minister.
“Thirdly, Unionism now finds itself being a spectator as Her Majesty`s Government agrees a legacy deal behind our backs and apparently without the DUP's knowledge.
“Baroness Paisley blames Arlene Foster for the crisis, Edwin Poots claims authorship of the 'agreement that never was' and meanwhile we have no input into Brexit, our hospital waiting lists are at record levels and schools at their wits’ end to survive financially. It’s an outrageous situation.
“One thing is clear, however, the leadership of unionism cannot be left in the hands of the DUP.”