Nesbitt resignation ‘the right thing’: Arlene Foster

Ulster Unionist Mr Nesbitt admitted to making some “very poor decisions” after the Sunday World newspaper exposed his infringement – having discovered the Strangford MLA had travelled to visit a friend on the north coast.

“This has been a stressful and difficult period for me and unfortunately I have made some very poor decisions,” he said.

“I am remorseful and apologise. I shall not return during lockdown.

“I have also tendered my resignation as deputy chair of the Committee of the Executive Office to my party leader, Steve Aiken,” Mr Nesbitt added.

Mr Aiken later described the breach as a “huge mistake”.

Speaking at the executive’s daily press briefing on Monday, the first minister Mrs Foster said: “I think it is important to say that everybody has to stick by the regulations that were made in the Assembly.

“Mike has recognised that he didn’t...and therefore he has stepped aside from that role and I think that is the right thing to do”.

Asked about Mr Nesbitt’s behaviour at the same press conference, deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill said he had “acknowledged that what he did “wasn’t appropriate”.

Ms O’Neill added: “We are in difficult times but none of us are exempt from these regulations.”