While Sinn Fein are on the back foot, refusing to allow the Executive to deal with the economy, the Ulster Unionist Party are now joining up with a party which would let Sinn Fein off the hook and see Northern Ireland return to Direct Rule.

This pact seems to have been solely motivated by a desire to undermine other unionist parties and to score some political point against the DUP in particular. I believe that both of these so-called unionist parties have massively misjudged the mood of the community in their political posturing. As these two parties plot as to which of them will take the second unionist seat at the European election, the community is much more worried about heating their homes over the winter.

Perhaps Reg Empey and Jim Allister would be better off releasing a joint statement on that issue rather than petty attempts to undermine other unionists.

Hard-pressed homeowner,
Co Fermanagh