Brexit: Sinn Fein tells Theresa May to end '˜toxic marriage' with DUP

Accusing their erstwhile partners in power-sharing of pursuing a “reckless, narrow agenda” over the contentious border backstop issue, senior party members called on Theresa May to “keep her word”.

Sinn Fein activists held a small demonstration in the grounds of Stormont.

MLA Mairtin O Muilleoir said DUP efforts to thwart Mrs May striking a deal that would ensure free-flowing trade and regulatory border should be resisted.

Referring to the Conservatives’ confidence and supply pact with the DUP, Mr O Muilleoir said: “We are asking Mrs May to look above and beyond that relationship and alliance she has with the DUP and instead make a decision which is in line with what she promised previously and also in the interests of all the people here.

“That is that we remain in the customs union and we remain in the single market to all extents for the all-Ireland economy, but also that it protects the Good Friday Agreement and the advances we have made for peace and reconciliation.”

He later added: “Maybe it is unusual for an Irish republican to be saying that to the British prime minister but – keep your word.

“You committed last December to the backstop, you agreed to avoid a hard border in Ireland and the alternative is really calamitous.”

Asked on suggestions that the EU might offer an extension to the transition period afforded the UK after Brexit as a negotiation concession, the Sinn Fein MLA said it was evidence of the “flexibility” Europe was willing to show to secure a deal.