Menu
09/01/2017
NI's Deputy First Minister Resigns
NI's deputy First Minster Martin McGuinness has resigned.
His resignation follows the scandal over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme and First Minister Arlene Foster's refusal to step aside while an investigation is carried out.
Mr McGuinness said: "Over the last ten years I have worked with DUP leaders and reached out to unionists on the basis of equality, respect and reconciliation.
"Over this period the actions of the British government and the DUP have undermined the institutions and eroded public confidence
"Sinn Féin will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP.
"Sinn Féin wants equality and respect for all.
"That is what this process must be about.
"Today I tendered my resignation.
"Today is the right time to call a halt to the DUP's arrogance.
"There will be no return to the status quo."
Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA said this is not the way to resolve the scandal.
He said: "Sinn Féin should have stayed, to hold the First Minister to account, to force a public inquiry and to vote on the much-needed cost controls on the scheme.
"Instead, they have prioritised self-interest, as always. This is Sinn Fein letting the DUP off the hook. The public mood clearly indicates they want the facts of the RHI debacle exposed. To move straight to an election without this taking place is farcical. They had a choice between the integrity of the institutions and electoral advantage and they appear to have chosen the latter.
"This is simply further proof of the DUP and Sinn Fein’s inability to govern. This scandal prone Executive has had ten years to get it right, that’s longer than most get in a mature democracy. They promised a Fresh Start, but delivered a Fresh Crisis of momentous scale.
"There is a moral duty on Claire Sugden to trigger a public inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive before 5pm tonight. The public must know where the blame lies for the waste of over £400m of their money."
(CD)
His resignation follows the scandal over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme and First Minister Arlene Foster's refusal to step aside while an investigation is carried out.
Mr McGuinness said: "Over the last ten years I have worked with DUP leaders and reached out to unionists on the basis of equality, respect and reconciliation.
"Over this period the actions of the British government and the DUP have undermined the institutions and eroded public confidence
"Sinn Féin will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP.
"Sinn Féin wants equality and respect for all.
"That is what this process must be about.
"Today I tendered my resignation.
"Today is the right time to call a halt to the DUP's arrogance.
"There will be no return to the status quo."
Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA said this is not the way to resolve the scandal.
He said: "Sinn Féin should have stayed, to hold the First Minister to account, to force a public inquiry and to vote on the much-needed cost controls on the scheme.
"Instead, they have prioritised self-interest, as always. This is Sinn Fein letting the DUP off the hook. The public mood clearly indicates they want the facts of the RHI debacle exposed. To move straight to an election without this taking place is farcical. They had a choice between the integrity of the institutions and electoral advantage and they appear to have chosen the latter.
"This is simply further proof of the DUP and Sinn Fein’s inability to govern. This scandal prone Executive has had ten years to get it right, that’s longer than most get in a mature democracy. They promised a Fresh Start, but delivered a Fresh Crisis of momentous scale.
"There is a moral duty on Claire Sugden to trigger a public inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive before 5pm tonight. The public must know where the blame lies for the waste of over £400m of their money."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 April 2024
Views Sought from Public On Review Of Civil Legal Services
The Department of Justice has launched a public consultation, calling for views to inform a review of civil legal services in Northern Ireland.
Views Sought from Public On Review Of Civil Legal Services
The Department of Justice has launched a public consultation, calling for views to inform a review of civil legal services in Northern Ireland.
06 March 2024
PRONI Launches Special '100 Treasures' Publication
A new special publication has been launched by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) to mark the end of its centenary year. 'PRONI 100 Treasures' features a selection of 100 fascinating documents, dating from 1219 to the present day. It documents the interesting and important items which now form part of the public record.
PRONI Launches Special '100 Treasures' Publication
A new special publication has been launched by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) to mark the end of its centenary year. 'PRONI 100 Treasures' features a selection of 100 fascinating documents, dating from 1219 to the present day. It documents the interesting and important items which now form part of the public record.
08 February 2024
Finance Minister Committed To Delivering Public Sector Pay Award
New Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has committed to delivering a public sector pay award that will reflect "the vital role they play in delivering public services". The Minister has held her first official meeting with civil service trade unions – NIPSA, FDA, Unite and GMB – to discuss the issues affecting public services.
Finance Minister Committed To Delivering Public Sector Pay Award
New Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has committed to delivering a public sector pay award that will reflect "the vital role they play in delivering public services". The Minister has held her first official meeting with civil service trade unions – NIPSA, FDA, Unite and GMB – to discuss the issues affecting public services.
07 October 2002
Chief Constable apologises for 'manner' of police raids
PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde has made an apology for the manner in which the raid on Sinn Féin's Stormont office was carried out. The Chief Constable said that he had reviewed footage of the raid and that with hindsight the Friday raid on the Stormont Sinn Féin office should have been conducted differently.
Chief Constable apologises for 'manner' of police raids
PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde has made an apology for the manner in which the raid on Sinn Féin's Stormont office was carried out. The Chief Constable said that he had reviewed footage of the raid and that with hindsight the Friday raid on the Stormont Sinn Féin office should have been conducted differently.
29 November 2004
Historic meeting between Adams and Orde is 'useful'
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has described the first ever face-to-face meeting between the Sinn Féin leadership and the Chief Constable of the Police Service for Northern Ireland as "useful".
Historic meeting between Adams and Orde is 'useful'
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has described the first ever face-to-face meeting between the Sinn Féin leadership and the Chief Constable of the Police Service for Northern Ireland as "useful".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with longer spells of rain during the morning, this rain heavy at times. Generally brighter in the afternoon, but with scattered and at times heavy showers. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
