That was the question posed by Sir Reg Empey as he explained why his party has decided not to support an SDLP proposal to recall the Assembly.

The nationalist party wanted the House called back from its summer recess to debate the developing crisis over the failure of the Executive to meet for three months.

This is because of continuing disagreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein over a range of sensitive issues and republicans’ refusal to hold a meeting without matters being resolved.

Sir Reg said the UUP’s Assembly group agreed with the SDLP that there was a serious problem which needed addressed, but he added: “Our decision was taken for largely practical considerations.

“If a recall was triggered now, the Assembly would have to pay for the travel costs of any member wherever that person would be on holiday and fly the member back after the meeting.

“I do not believe the many beleaguered families in the Province would relish the prospect of large sums being paid out on air tickets.”

But he added: “This in no way diminishes our concerns at the failure of the Executive to meet, especially against the present economic background. I have been drawing attention to this failure for weeks, and it makes devolution look weak and ineffective.

“But it does draw attention to the preposterous position we are getting ourselves into. How on earth, when the Executive cannot even get the drains to work properly, are the DUP and Sinn Fein agreeing to the devolution of policing and justice? This is what the present Sinn Fein blackmail is all about.

“However, by failing to provide good Government they are weakening their own case and causing resentment.”