The Westminster abstention by Sinn Féin does not justify a Stormont one by the DUP

Peter Robinson’s robust defence of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s decision to boycott the NI Assembly until the protocol is removed (‘Ignore those urging DUP just to go back into Stormont,’ May 11, see link below) does nothing to help those stuck on our depressingly high hospital waiting lists or help those who are struggling with the current cost-of-living crisis.

We continue to hear this type of uncaring rhetoric from the DUP.

What if it was their family who were waiting an excessive amount of time for an operation or trying to heat their home.

Also, what about all the infrastructure and funding decisions that could be delayed as a result of their standoff with Westminster like the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Scheme? This is an important road safety improvement project which local campaigners have spent years fighting for.

Finally, Mr Robinson mention’s Sinn Féin’s well-known abstentionist position, in not taking its seats at Westminister. But could he clarify, does this justify the DUP’s current position on the assembly or is the DUP positioning themselves to become Northern Ireland’s latest abstentionists?

Councillor Brian Pope, Alliance Party Group Leader on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

• Peter Robinson May 11: Ignore those who are urging DUP to just go back into Stormont

• Other commentary:

• Lord Empey: The DUP have no-one to blame but themselves for disastrous election

• John Cushnahan: SF hypocrisy to attack DUP leader over MP seat while boycotting Westminster

• Editorial: Any elaborate legacy system is likely to turn against the state

• Editorial May 11: Liz Truss hints at action on NI Protocol but unionists are right to be wary

• Ruth Dudley Edwards May 10: The nationalist vote is nowhere near enough for border poll

• Editorial May 10: If Irish language gets pledge today so must an overhaul of protocol

• Ben Lowry May 9: The TUV vote surge should have been one of the main stories of the election

• Owen Polley May 9: Unionists have an issue with sectarian SF, not with nationalism

• Henry McDonald May 9: A few facts are in order amid breathless reportage about SF

• Emma Little Pengelly May 9: There has been no increase in the nationalist vote in 25 years

• Editorial May 9: It is clear that unionists need to have option of voting for a liberal party

• Ben Lowry May 7: Unionism now faces a considerable challenge in how to go forward

• Henry McDonald May 7: Sinn Fein’s day in the sun but no new dawn for Irish unity

• Editorial May 7: Unionism more than ever needs London’s help on the protocol

• Ben Lowry May 7: Unionist overall vote stays ahead of nationalist total, albeit narrowly

• Brian John Spencer: Unionism was given no wriggle room by nationalism

• Letter: DUP would have first minister post if they hadn’t sought Stormont process change