Ulster Unionist leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has stated that it would be unforgivable if the First and deputy First Ministers left decisions on dealing with Covid-19 to the eleventh hour again.
Mr Aiken said:
“Given that the Executive’s reputation and credibility is once again in the gutter, it is imperative that the Executive Office focuses on bringing forward timely decisions.
“The First and deputy First Ministers could start by trying to get the very basics right by calling an Executive meeting early this week to decide what their strategy to deal with Covid-19 over the next few weeks is going to be. To do otherwise would be a dereliction of duty. Our Heath service workers and local businesses deserve better. The First and deputy First Ministers need to make decisions and make them early.
“It would be unforgivable for the First and deputy First Ministers to allow decisions on Coronavirus restrictions to be left to the eleventh hour again. Running down the clock is not a sensible strategy and will only lead to even greater criticism and widespread derision of the DUP/Sinn Fein led Executive. They have a small window of opportunity to attempt to save the Christmas business period, protect our Health Service and help make it as normal as possible under the circumstances.”