Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA, has called on the Secretary of State to call intensive all-party talks given that there is neither the political will, nor ability, to publicly debate the huge issues facing Northern Ireland.

Mr Swann said:

“The toxic nature of events during the debate in the Assembly today emphasises the need for the Secretary of State to call immediate, intensive all-party talks. Unfortunately in the current atmosphere, if today is anything to go by, it would appear that future meetings of the Assembly can only lead to a further deterioration in relationships.

“The Ulster Unionist Party is always willing to try to engage in a genuine attempt to bring people together for a public debate in the absence of talks or talks about talks. That`s why we tabled a recall petition for the Assembly to sit on Tuesday to debate the huge issues facing Northern Ireland after 1,000 days without the Assembly or an Executive. Regrettably it is now clear there is neither the political will, nor ability, to even publicly debate the serious issues facing Northern Ireland and its people. For that reason we withdrew our recall petition. Some may now ask is Stormont worth saving?

“The Health Service is in crisis - people are literally dying while they wait on appointments - and yet there is no sign of any genuine willingness on behalf of parties to find a way out of the political cul-de-sac which devolution is currently parked in.

“Northern Ireland cannot wait another 1,000 days for the return of devolution. If there is to be no devolution, there is only one alternative. And that`s direct rule.”