Little-Pengelly says unionists wanting direct rule need to 'get real' - slamming Westminster over 'social policy' and sea border
Unionists who think Northern Ireland would be better off under direct rule need to “get real” – the DUP deputy First Minister has told her party conference.
Emma Little Pengelly has slammed Westminster’s record in the province on abortion laws, “social policy” and the Irish Sea trade border.
Stormont’s joint leader also accused First Minister Michelle O’Neill of “weaponising” her position and “seeking to blur” the role at a meeting of nationalist parties in Cardiff last week.
In apparent criticism of the TUV, who would favour some form of direct rule over a local administration involving Sinn Fein, Ms Little Pengelly said some were trying to “sell some utopian, nostalgic version of direct rule from Westminster, we need to get real”
The Lagan Valley MLA said: “What was protected and promoted by direct rule? What was driven or delivered by Westminster? The most liberal abortion laws on these islands. Social policy that ignored the wishes of people here.
“A damaging protocol that brought frictions in trade across the UK.
“That is precisely why devolution should be seen as a strength of modern unionism, not a concession to nationalism”.
She also claimed that Ms O’Neill wanted to see the “destruction” of the United Kingdom.
“It was strong unionism that challenged her, called her out and stopped her,” she added.
“I am no shrinking violet… as Michelle O’Neill knows.
“I will never allow Sinn Fein to use, misuse and weaponise the role of first minister.
“We have used our strength in the Executive and in the Assembly and in every council chamber across Northern Ireland to deliver and to protect.”
“Divided and slumbering unionism has a serious cost.
“Divided unionism has put a separatist first minister into the top position in Wales.
“Divided unionism has allowed the SNP to stay as first minister in Scotland.
“And divided unionism has a first minister in Northern Ireland that not only doesn’t want a strong future for Northern Ireland, but wants no future for Northern Ireland.
“The people of this incredible place deserve more.
“Unionism needs to get our act together – and vote with our feet and vote with our heads.”
Ms Little Pengelly said that unionists have a “stark choice” in their hands at the next election.
“Conference, there is another choice the electorate have. And it is who they want to speak for Northern Ireland.
“Do you want a First Minister that turns up... or a First Minister that turns away time and time again.
“Do you want a First Minister who believes in Northern Ireland... or do you want a First Minister who believes in abolishing Northern Ireland.
“Do you want a First Minister who champions Northern Ireland, who is proud of Northern Ireland, who believes in a future of Northern Ireland?
“Or do you want a First Minister who can’t even say the name Northern Ireland?
“That’s the stark choice”, the deputy First Minister told the DUP faithful.