Coronavirus: There are differences but Stormont Executive united in bid to save lives, says Arlene Foster

Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill said differences of opinion should be expected within a five-party coalition government.

The first minister and deputy first minister were responding to reports of growing tensions around the Executive table over issues such as testing numbers, personal protection equipment stocks and closure of non-essential businesses.

Earlier this month the DUP and Sinn Fein, were also divided on when schools should close.

At the leaders’ daily Covid-19 press briefing at Stormont today, Mrs Foster said: “We are a five-party Executive, I don’t think there is anybody who shies away from that fact.

“But be very clear – we know that this is a national emergency, we know that we have to step up to the plate and whatever differences we may have about emphasis, or ways of doing things, or who do we listen to, it is important that we are able to be free to have those discussions at the Executive, then come forward with a common strategy and that is what we’ve done today.”

Ms O’Neill, who said Executive ministers had agreed a refreshed strategy today, rejected any suggestion the disagreements were linked to traditional political divisions.

“This isn’t an orange and green issue,” she said.

“This isn’t Dublin versus London. It’s not even about the DUP versus Sinn Fein, this is about me standing up for the views that I have heard from those people who work on the frontline and I will continue to do that.

“And I will also continue to work with Executive colleagues.”

With 123 new cases of the infection reported, the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland is 533.

Ms O’Neill said she would not be a “wallflower” and hold back from expressing her views within the Executive.