Sinn Fein MLAs chastise Sinn Fein economy minister Caoimhe Archibald for 'increasing cost-of-living pressure'

The move has come at the end of a debate on the rising cost-of-living.

The DUP believes the reason is that the motion which was voted on also criticised the Trump administration, and Sinn Fein is so committed to attacking Trump that its MLAs were willing to back the motion criticising Dr Archibald anyway.

Sinn Fein has been approached but has yet to offer an explanation.

The matter was brought to the Assembly by the SDLP, which tabled a motion condemning the “illegal” US attack on Iran and branding Westminster’s subsequent cost-of-living support as “insufficient”, and the NI Executive’s support as “non-existent”.

The Alliance Party ultimately amended the motion, removing the reference to “non-existent” support, but adding in specific criticism of Gordon Lyons and Dr Archibald.

The full motion MLAs voted on was as follows:

"That this Assembly notes the real and immediate pressures facing workers and businesses as a result of the United States’ illegal war with Iran;

"Further notes that the British government’s response has been insufficient;

"Acknowledges that, while most taxation and fiscal powers lie with the British government and the Executive have now agreed an enhanced support package for homes relying on heating oil, the delayed response from the Minister for Communities and Minister for the Economy has increased the pressure facing local households and businesses;

"And calls on the Northern Ireland Executive, in conjunction with the British government, to outline the actions they will take to alleviate pressures facing workers and businesses, including measures such as a temporary reduction in fuel duty, increased windfall taxes on energy giants, support for those working in domiciliary care, reduced fares for public transport and targeted support for other industries that have been most affected.”

The DUP, UUP, and TUV (27 MLAs) voted against the motion on Tuesday.

Sinn Fein, the SDLP, Alliance, People Before Profit's Gerry Carroll and independent Claire Sugden (44 MLAs) all voted in favour of it.

Afterwards, the DUP chief whip Trevor Clarke said: “Sinn Fein appears to be so captured by the far-left and so desperate to avoid being outflanked on criticisms of the United States and its current administration that they are even prepared to criticise their own minister in doing so.

"Whilst it is true that many of the major levers in terms of fuel duty and other steps to help do lie with the United Kingdom government, it is impossible to ignore criticisms of an economy minister.”

Since bills began to shoot up after the start of the Iran war, there have been claims that Dr Archibald’s department has been slow to implement a scheme, rooted in the chancellor’s autumn budget, to use £81m to reduce everyone’s electricity bills by £30.

Ms Archibald rejects this, saying it will be delivered “as fast as possible” – but first the UK government must table new legislation.