Uncertainty over Emma Little Pengelly's future leaves Northern Ireland in political limbo - Burrows
Uncertainty over whether Emma Little Pengelly will remain in post as deputy First Minister leaves Northern Ireland in “political limbo”, the UUP leader has said.
Jon Burrows made the comments after the DUP’s Carla Lockhart reiterated her position that the party should withdraw from the joint office leading the Executive, thereby removing Michelle O’Neill as First Minister. However, that has been ruled out by DUP boss Gavin Robinson, who has said his party will not be goaded by republicans into collapsing the institutions.
The involvement of senior Sinn Féin figures in a protest blocking an Orange parade along the Garvaghy Road has heightened political tensions at Stormont, and within the DUP. Lord Nigel Dodds told the News Letter that there “is a need to find a way which effectively reflects the deep concern in the unionist community” over the government and police “decision to cave in to threats of violence rather than uphold the law”.
UUP boss Jon Burrows said “Stormont feels trapped in dysfunction” and the “continuing uncertainty over the deputy First Minister’s position leave us in political limbo when we need clear leadership”.
He said: “We have no agreed budget, unresolved public sector pay awards and serious winter pressures facing our NHS. It is hard to look the Secretary of State in the eye and make a compelling case for additional funding when Stormont is projecting chaos rather than credibility.
“Sinn Féin’s conduct at Drumcree has been atrocious. Any criminal wrongdoing must be pursued without fear or favour, and we need stronger laws and effective mechanisms to hold ministers politically accountable for law-breaking.
“We need calm leadership to guide us through this, with solutions rather than more problems. Unionism should focus on securing the reforms necessary and encouraging greater turnout and transfers across the pro-Union family at the next election. Accountability, reform and stable government must go hand in hand.”
A Sinn Féin spokesperson said it is“proud to have stood with Garvaghy Road residents to protect 28 years of peace and progress. Standing up for what is right is always the right thing to do.”