Robin Swann quizzed over quitting: ‘I will continue to do my duty’

Mr Swann made the remarks on the BBC’s Sunday Politics show, where he also indicated that more restrictions are likely to be requested before Christmas.

During the same show, SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon was also asked whether she will walk away from her post if there is a repeat of last week’s events in Stormont, where the DUP insisted on having a “cross-community” vote about the planned anti-coronavirus restrictions.

Such a vote meant there would have to be solid backing for the proposal in question from both unionists and nationalists.

And since the DUP dominate unionism, its MLAs are able to veto plans put forward by other parties.

Asked if he will “consider his position” if faced with the same scenario again, Mr Swann replied that he has “a responsibility and a duty” to maintain a health system capable of supporting the public, and also to “speak for the healthcare workers”.

“And that’s what I’ll continue to do,” he said.

Asked what his “breaking point” is when it comes to the behaviour of the rest of the Executive, he said: “If I had a breaking point, and if I had a bottom line, I’m not going to broadcast it now.”

On Thursday evening, Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long told BBC: “It would be hard to imagine anyone around the executive table with an ounce of sanity or scruples wouldn’t have reconsidered their position, in light of the debacle that took place this week.”

And speaking again today she described the use of the cross-community vote as “a perversion of the original intent”.

Ms Mallon was likewise quizzed on whether she is ready to quit.

“It was certainly the lowest point I’ve ever experienced,” she said, adding that her party seeks to share power with “willing partners” from other parties, adding: ““Certainly this week, I was seriously questioning whether we do have those willing partners around the table.

“You’ve heard the health minister very clearly set out his view that he’ll have to come back to the Executive recommending further restrictions.

“We could find ourselves in two weeks’ time back in the chaotic mess we were in last week.”

The current NI coronavirus plan was thrashed out after four days of infighting last week.

It means NI’s four-week “circuit-break” lockdown has been extended by one week, followed by a phased reopening of hospitality businesses.

The DUP had pressed for more firms to be allowed to re-open, whilst Mr Swann (and others) favoured a more restrictive tack.

The new plan means cafes, along with close contact services like hairdressers, will reopen on Friday with the rest of the hospitality sector opening a week later.

Yesterday Mr Swann warned “we haven’t seen the decrease we’d have liked” when it comes to infections and admissions.

“So, do I think further restrictions will be necessary, will be asked for, between now and Christmas? Yes I do.”

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