Naomi Long almost in tears in live radio interview about how Executive handled extension to Covid-19 restrictions

Minister Long told BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme the way in which the Executive managed a proposal to extend a four week ‘circuit breaker’ left her “upset” and “distressed”.

The Executive agreed a new set of restrictions for Northern Ireland on Thursday evening.

The DUP, the UUP and the Alliance Party all voted in favour of the proposal; the SDLP abstained and Sinn Fein voted against it.

“I saw a Health Minister bring forward a proposal in good faith.

“It was very stark and we saw it blocked using the so-called cross community vote, which we know is there to protect minorities, but we saw it used by the biggest party in the Executive against a proposal that had been brought to the table by another unionist minister,” said Minister Long.

She added: “The perversion of the original intent of the cross community vote mechanism has been laid bare for all to see.”

“We were left in a position, that instead of governing we were horse trading - that is no way to do government and I am upset, distressed and ashamed of what has happened over the last seven days.”

The new agreement contains the following instructions for businesses:

Hair and beauty salons and premises without an alcohol licence like cafes and coffee shops can reopen next Friday, with hours restricted to 8pm.

Driving lessons can resume by appointment only.

Restaurants, pubs and hotels can reopen on November 27.

Pubs and bars will be permitted to sell sealed off-sales from November 20.

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