‘NI won’t get help by Xmas’

people right across Northern Ireland have not... £400 has been dangled in front of them but remains beyond their grasp.

“The promise of an additional £200 in recognition of our dependence on heating oil also remains unpaid.

“The previous prime minister assured the people of Northern Ireland that a payment would be issued in November. Today, November draws to a close and no payment.”

Mr Stuart said he met energy supplier CEOS last week and “they are not ready”.

He said he is “determined to find a way” but does not see how “we are going to be able to stand that up before Christmas”. He added: “But we are aiming to stand that up in January.”