Extending lockdown to December 11 is the ‘correct decision’ says Michelle O’Neill
The deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, says she understands the anger expressed by Northern Ireland businesses after it emerged on Thursday evening the Stormont Executive had agreed to extend lockdown measures that were due to end on November 27 for an additional two weeks.
The new restrictions will apply from November 27 to December 11, however there is no guarantee the restrictions will be completely lifted after this date.
Businesses all across Northern Ireland have expressed anger and frustration with the decision to extend the lockdown.
Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill said she understood why businesses were not happy with the decision.
“What we have is a situation today where we are in a place where this is the correct decision, it’s a difficult decision but it is absolutely where we needed to be,” she said.
“Unfortunately we needed to be there before now, but we all know the reasons for that, I don’t think today is the day for recrimination.
“The will of the Executive, all of the Executive, is to actually move forward with these measures last week, but however as we all know the DUP used the veto and blocked that decision. I was appalled at that decision.
“We had to come back this week and take these difficult decisions but it came on the back of strong medical and scientific advice, and was necessary.”
The deputy First Minister added: “So I can say in terms of the anger that is felt by businesses, we share the concern, we share all that concern, we understand how difficult this is, how challenging this is.
“Where the Executive needs to be very focused right now is on getting financial support out to those businesses, and unfortunately to date I don’t believe it has been sufficient.”