Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA, has called on the Government to take some action to put in place a mechanism to allow political decisions to be taken and to stop running scared of upsetting Sinn Fein sensitivities.

Mr Swann said:

“This week has demonstrated the direct impact that a lack of any form of political decision making is having on Northern Ireland and its people.  The Secretary of State and the Government need to act. Instead they seem to be running scared of upsetting Sinn Fein sensitivities as if nobody else matters. They should either put the mechanisms in place for talks to restore devolution with a set deadline or else move to appoint UK Government Ministers to take the crucial decisions which our health service, schools and business are crying out for. It`s time to get off the fence and end the farce.

“Sinn Fein don’t have the best interests of Northern Ireland’s people at heart. They have run away from any political responsibilities or hard decisions.

“It`s ironic that Martina Anderson should attempt to ambush the Secretary of State at a public event yet her colleagues won’t even cast a single vote on the EU Withdrawal Bill at Westminster. Just like their ‘respect’ campaign, Sinn Fein`s soapbox opposition to Brexit is a charade.

“For too long, the Government have been pussyfooting around Sinn Fein and the failure of the two largest parties to reach agreement to restore devolution. I appeal to the Secretary of State to ignore Sinn Fein posturing and take some hard decisions and stand up for the rights of all our people as an integral part of the United Kingdom.”