Ulster Unionists block formation of new executive at Stormont over NI protocol

THE party that came second in the Northern Ireland Assembly elections has blocked the formation of a new government at Stormont.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said his party would not nominate ministers to the power-sharing executive until the UK Government overhauled post-brexit trade rules.

Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O’neill, whose party won 27 seats in the 90-member assembly last week to the DUP’S 25, said the election result must be respected.

However, although Sinn Fein has the right to nominate a First Minister, the DUP must also nominate a deputy First Minister for there to be a government, giving it a veto over the process.

Sir Jeffrey, Ms O’neill and Sinn Fein president Mary Lou Mcdonald yesterday met with Northern Ireland Secretary Brand Lewis in Belfast to discuss the situation.

Sir Jeffrey said the Northern Ireland Protocol, which the DUP sees as a threat to the Union by dividing the UK down the Irish Sea for trade purposes, cast a “long shadow” over the region’s politics

Speaking at Stormont, he said: “We want to see this place up and running as soon as possible. We want stable devolved government.

“We need decisive action by the Government to address the difficulties created by the protocol.

“Whether that is driving up the cost of living, whether that is the harm that it is doing to businesses and our economy, or indeed in undermining political stability in Northern Ireland. The protocol needs to be dealt with.”

After meeting Mr Lewis, he said he expected the UK Government to act fast, adding: “The people who can deliver the change are Boris Johnson and the government. Frankly, the sooner they do it, the sooner we can get things properly functioning again at Stormont.”

Asked if he was willing to go for another election in six months’ time if no government was formed by then, Sir Jeffrey said: “I am never afraid to face the people.”

Ms O’neill, whose victory was a first for Nationalists in the province’s 101-year history, said: “TAS democrats, the DUP, but also the British Government, must accept and respect the democratic outcome of this election.

“Brinkmanship will not be tolerated where the north of Ireland becomes collateral damage in a game of chicken with the European Commission. Responsibility for finding solutions to the protocol lie with Boris Johnson and the EU.

“But, make no mistake, we and our business community here will not be held to ransom.”

Naomi Long, whose centreground Alliance Party increased its seats from nine to 17, said: “To get a functioning executive we need the DUP to step up to the plate. With power comes responsibility, and people now need to take the responsibility seriously.”

Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said: “If the obstacle... is the protocol then we need to deal with the protocol. We all know what the landing zone is, no checks on goods from GB to Northern Ireland if they are staying in Northern Ireland.”