Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Empey has voiced his utter frustration at the continuing drift in Northern Ireland politics and the complete lack of any kind of talks process aimed at resolving the issue.
Speaking following today’s announcement from the Secretary of State, and with particular regard to her comments on political talks, Lord Empey said:
“The impression given by the Secretary of State today that there is a talks process going on is totally erroneous. There is no process. There is no direct rule either. Instead we have Northern Ireland left drifting in a twilight zone as was demonstrated by the legislation we had to deal with earlier this week on the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.
“During discussions on that legislation we had the ridiculous situation that a Minister in Parliament was giving assurances to the House about the future actions of a Department over which he has no control!
“Sinn Fein has been able to veto any progress and the government has facilitated this.
“Meanwhile in the real world, hospital waiting lists continue to grow and half of our schools are in the red.
“The inaction of the Government is beginning to amount to the reckless endangerment of people's lives in Northern Ireland as a result of this paralysis.”