DUP Proposal To Suspend Assembly Rejected

A DUP proposal that the Northern Ireland Assembly should not meet over the next four weeks has been rejected.

DUP leader Peter Robinson met with Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street on Tuesday and discussed for Sinn Féin to be excluded from the Executive.

Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has called on the DUP to start taking some decisions of its own instead of trying to blame the Ulster Unionist Party for their own indecision.

Mr Nesbitt said: "Peter Robinson says things cannot go on as normal. He is right because the Ulster Unionist Party has withdrawn from the Executive.

"The DUP need to take a stand, not throw the dummy out of the pram just because they did not get their way at the Business Committee at Stormont today.

"Why would they want to extend the Assembly's summer break into October, when only days ago they were promising a debate aimed at throwing Sinn Féin out of Stormont? Maybe because that was just more bluster and another empty promise from the DUP.

"The DUP have to get used to the fact they no longer represent the majority of unionist voters. If they want something to happen, they need to make a case. So far, they have failed miserably. They don’t seem to know what they want."

Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness has said now is the time for politicians to show real leadership to overcome the current challenges facing the political process. 

Mr McGuinness said: "The appalling murders of Jock Davison and Kevin McGuigan which were carried out by criminals and are now being exploited by unionists for narrow political self interest. 

"I and my Sinn Féin colleagues have taken great risks in support of the peace and political processes over the last decade, facing down violent elements both republican and loyalist. 

"That is what leadership is about and it is clear that now is a time for real leadership from all politicians. 

"Resolution of the current political difficulties will not be achieved through internal unionist electoral contests or naked party politicking."

(CD)