30/11/2023

Onus Is On DUP To 'Get Back Around The Executive Table' – SF

The DUP has been urged to "get back around the Executive table" with NI's other parties and deliver for workers, families and local businesses.

Making the call, Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald, said that it was "decision time" and that "public patience has run out with the endless two-way negotiation between the DUP and the British Government".

Speaking in Dublin as the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference met, Ms McDonald said: "There is now an onus on Jeffrey Donaldson and the DUP to get back around the Executive table with the rest of the parties to urgently deliver for workers, families, and local businesses.

"Parties must work together on budgets, and together press the British Treasury on the underfunding of public services which are in crisis, and the clear need for a financial package that meets the challenges facing any restored Executive."

She added: "We need all of the institutions, the Assembly, the Executive, and the north-south bodies restored now.

"We have maintained contact with both the British and Irish Governments and we have been consistently calling for progress and timely action.

"I think all of us have been pragmatic in giving space and time, but people cannot wait any longer.

"The British government must now call time.

"At every turn, Sinn Féin has been making the case that we urgently need an Executive to fix the health service, support people with the cost of living, and strengthen our economy by seizing the huge economic opportunities available to us and which cannot be squandered.

"It's time now to move forward."


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

19 January 2023
Govt Urged To 'Spell Out' What It Is Doing To Restore Executive
Sinn Féin has called on the British government to spell out what it is doing to help restore the Executive and end the DUP's blockade.
04 June 2015
Irish Tricolour Incident Is A 'Storm In A Teacup' - Dallat
The SDLP said the Assembly has "much more important matters to tackle" after an Irish Tricolour was erected over the Parliament Buildings on Wednesday. Assembly Member John Dallat MLA said the arrangement for flying flags at the Assembly should be upheld, however he has called on other members to retain a sense of perspective.
04 May 2018
Housing Executive Urged To Clarify Tower Block Proposals
Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has written to the Chief Executive of the Housing Executive Board seeking clarity on their plans for Tower Blocks in north Belfast. The North Belfast MLA said: "There are 33 Tower blocks across the north, seven of which are in the New Lodge area of North Belfast.
26 August 2016
Investigation Launched After Man Dies On Farm In Co Armagh
The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) has launched an investigation after a man, aged in his 70s, died in a farm incident in Co Armagh. The man died at a farm in the Silverbridge area on Thursday afternoon, 25 August. The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.
08 June 2022
Call For DUP To 'End Its Boycott' Of The NI Executive
Sinn Fein is urging the DUP to "end its boycott" of the NI Executive and to start putting money in people's pockets. MP Paul Maskey made the call following the rise in gas prices announced by firmus Energy.