DUP’s rivals concerned at Tory link-up

A potential parliamentary deal between the DUP and Theresa May will cause massive problems in efforts to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland, the unionist party’s rivals have said.

Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance Party all said salvaging devolution at Stormont will become more difficult if the mooted Westminster agreement materialises.

The root of their concerns lies in the potential undermining of the Government’s commitment to impartiality in its dealings with the region’s parties.

Northern Ireland has been without an administration for three months following the collapse of power-sharing over a bitter row between the DUP and Sinn Fein.

DUP opponents have questioned how the Government can cast itself as a mediator in talks to re-establish the crisis-hit institutions if its very future is linked to an understanding with the main unionist party.

SInn Fein’s Mairtin O Muilleoir said the Conservatives would be “dancing to the DUP tune”.

“I do think this new coalition, whether it is a coalition of chaos or whatever it is, between the DUP and the Tories I think it will mean an assault on issues of rights, issues of respect and it will make a deal harder undoubtedly and there will be a price to pay,” he said.

The SDLP’s Nichola Mallon said the idea the Government could be seen as independent in negotiations, due to resume today, was “ludicrous”.

She said there was a need to appoint an independent talks chairperson.

“Anybody with any sense looking at this situation would realise that needs to happen,” she said.

The Alliance Party’s Stephen Farry said the development could have “severe repercussions” for Northern Ireland.