Ulster Unionist Leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, said:
“I wish Julian Smith and his family all the very best for the future. No one can question his dedication to the job as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. We had our differences, none more so than over his approach to the New Decade, New Approach document, but his work in getting redress for the victims of institutional abuse is something that he should be very proud of. He showed much needed compassion.
“Julian Smith`s successor should take a leaf out of his book and spend time in Northern Ireland getting to know the place and its people. The last thing Northern Ireland needs is a Boris Johnson ‘yes’ man or woman.”