Ulster Unionist Party Leader Robin Swann MLA has called on the Secretary of State to take much-needed decisions in order to benefit the people of Northern Ireland.
Robin Swann MLA said:
“Whilst the Secretary of State has given her reasons for extending the period when the next Assembly election should be called until October, the people of Northern Ireland are reaching the end of their tether.
“It may be the case that some parties are close to finding agreement in the current round of talks, but our reading of the situation is that there is still a long way to go in some areas, and in the meantime the people of Northern Ireland need decisions to be made.
“We really need to see reforms in health implemented, we need to see a Bengoa-style review of education, we need to see investment in infrastructure, we need urgent legislation passed regarding domestic violence and coercive control, and we simply cannot wait to see if a deal can be done by October.
“The bottom line is that Northern Ireland needs decisions to be made, and in the short term, if that means they have to be taken by the Secretary of State until such time as we get an Assembly and Executive up and running again, then so be it.”