NI Politicians Criticise Karen Bradley Over Belfast Meeting

Northern Ireland's politicians have issued scathing criticism of Secretary of State Karen Bradley after she reportedly cut short a meeting to catch a flight.

The talks were announced by Mrs Bradley on Wednesday 31 October after she was questioned in the House of Commons on what steps she had taken to restore devolution in Northern Ireland.

It took place today, Thursday 01 November, but a spokesperson for the SDLP said the Secretary informed the attendees she would have to leave early for a flight, sparking cross-party criticism that she is not fulfilling her role.

Alliance leader Naomi Long, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann and Sinn Fein MLAs John O'Dowd and Mairtin O Muilleoir attended the meeting, which Mr Eastwood described as a "waste of time".

"It is quite clear that the British Government are totally unprepared to take the necessary steps to get power-sharing restored," he said.

"Today is an embarrassing day for the Secretary of State. Quite simply, it is not her job to wait for a 'consensus'.

"Her job, alongside the Tanaiste (Simon Coveney), is to kick-start the talks process."

In a short statement, Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd said Karen Bradley was treating "large sections of this society with utter and complete contempt".

Meanwhile, UUP leader Robin Swann said the Government should be prepared to introduce direct rule if it is unable to reach an agreement on how to restore an Executive at Stormont.

"The Ulster Unionist Party is in no doubt that we need a proper talks process to resolve the issues which are preventing the restoration of a devolved administration," he said.

"We are also in no doubt, that if we cannot get political agreement, then given the level of suffering in the community- not least with regard to hospital waiting lists and school budgets- the Government has no alternative but to bring in direct rule."

Mr Swann added that the "belligerent tone and attitude" of Sinn Fein MLA's at the meeting only served to hinder the situation.

When leaving, Alliance leader Naomi Long said the restoration was further away than it was at the time of the collapse, and indicated that the earliest possible date for the start of formal talks would be after Christmas.

Mrs Bradley characterised today's meeting as a briefing on the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill which is aimed at clarifying and extending the decision-making powers of civil servants, and facilitating a return to power-sharing.



(JG/CM)