North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey has said that political events of the past week have highlighted "the need to re-prioritise ongoing work" and to put arrangements in place "to move away from all-party coalition under D'Hondt to a voluntary coalition".
Addressing the AGM of the Upper Bann DUP Constituency Association he said – in reference to the SDLP's vote against the Budget – that the last week has "taught us that we need to be realists in dealing with Northern Ireland politics".

A mandatory, enforced coalition is not the ideal form of government and there is a requirement to take a mature look at where we currently stand, where we came from and how we want to shape the future, he said.

This will be seen as a new re-emphasis on the DUP objective of eventually breaking away from power-sharing with Sinn Fein.

Mr Storey also offered a progress report.
Progress made, he said, included:
- the scrapping of any idea about Irish Language legislation being brought forward as "a successful outcome for unionists";
- the Budget prioritising the building a strong economy in Northern Ireland;
- Sinn Fein being "signed up to an overarching aim of building a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, with respect for the rule of law" within the UK;
- Republicans "being divided like never before" – with the resignation of MLA Gerry McHugh from the Sinn Fein "demonstrating the extent of their divisions", when he quit stating that the Assembly was run by the DUP and favoured unionism; and
- the Education Minister "being forced to concede that she cannot prevent academic selection".

Progress to be made, he said, included: parading and "the numerous attacks on Loyal Order property"; the streamlining of government at Stormont; focus on "our opposition to the devolution of policing and justice"; and more concentration on making the Province an economic success.

Mr Storey concluded: "We must be realistic. The current structures are a fair deal but they are not a final settlement. We need to push for the final destination that we need!"