NI SECRETARY MUST BE HERE MORE OFTEN REPORT SLAMS ‘LACK OF CLOUT’ IN BREXIT
Responses: Paula Bradshaw and (right) Emma Little Pengelly
with the DUP has diminished the Government’s ability to “appear to be an even-handed, honest broker in the discussions about restoring power-sharing — or indeed in other policy areas like Brexit”.
Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann said the report highlighted “the damage that the DUP/ Tory relationship has truly delivered in the perception of all of Northern Ireland on the Westminster stage”.
He added: “It is very concerning that the Secretary of State is not part of a key strategy committee advising the Prime Minister on EU exit strategy as it is obvious that the Northern Ireland border and its position in backstop negotiations is integral to any future deal that must be reached.”
Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said: “Northern Ireland is falling further and further behind what is happening in other jurisdictions and we risk long-term damage.
“The Secretary of State needs to explain what is holding back the talks process and how he plans, in conjunction with the Irish Government, to energise the process so we can agree a sustainable way forward.”
DUP MP Emma Little Pengelly said the absence of ministers was “unacceptable and unsustainable” and the report was “a body blow to the Sinn Fein’s boycott” of Stormont, but she took issue with the report’s reference to her party’s deal with the Tories.
She said it didn’t “recognise how one billion pounds has helped fund services such as after school clubs, broadband improvement and sure start”.
Sinn Fein MP Elisha McCallion explained: “Westminster never has and never will act in the interests of the North of Ireland.
“That is why it has been rejected at the polls by the nationalist and republican community, who see their future being determined on the island of Ireland.”