Northern Ireland might need to move to the most severe lockdown but not yet, despite what Sinn Fein says

When it seems to many of us that Sinn Fein are engaging in relentless political manoeuvres at this time, and trying above all to move things to an all island approach, the deputy first minister said: “This is about what is the best action at the right time. How do we save lives.”

Yet Ms O’Neill also tweeted yesterday: “We urgently need more testing & Personal Protective Equipment for all our frontline staff. I will continue to raise these issues with the Health Minister & the Executive.

“As a political leader, it is my responsibility to stand up for the interests of all citizens.”

What is she saying? That she, at the helm of the executive, has to raise with, and in effect ask the health minister for equipment? Or is she trying to imply that the health minister (who happens to be unionist) does not realise the need for it?

If this is about the “best action at the right time” as Ms O’Neill says it is notable that Sinn Fein never seem to give weight to those cautious voices who query whether the UK needs to adopt such a sweeping response to this crisis.

In a major intervention yesterday, the highly respected former Supreme Court, Lord Sumption, criticised police forces for zealously enforcing government guidelines, rather than rules.

He said that Derbyshire police, in using a drone to embarrass people out walking in remote countryside, had “shamed our policing traditions”.

Lockdowns are appropriate for this time and have wide support but that does not mean we yet need the most severe versions of them.

Until we do, we should applaud businesses such as Ulster Carpets and food producers who are keeping the economy going. The time might yet come when experts decide that non essential businesses should close.

In the meantime, any manufacturer who can continue to operate while keeping their staff safe should not be demonised.