Northern Ireland’s devolved government institutions are in “a precarious place”, with the “wheels are coming off Stormont”, according to Sinn Féin. Conor Murphy made the comments after the political parties separately met Sir Chris Bryant during his first visit to Northern Ireland as secretary of state.
Murphy said Sinn Féin remained committed to power sharing, but said the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) “have demonstrated that they don't have a political will to make the executive work”. Parties in the Northern Ireland Executive have called for increased funding from the government so they can set a budget.
What did Conor Murphy say about the governments?
Murphy said neither the British Government nor the Irish Government should “coast along” and wait for matters to improve on their own. He said both governments needed to engage now with all the parties, including the DUP, to encourage “collaboration and cooperation” rather than the approach seen in recent years.
“The British government can't coast along, and neither can Dublin coast along in the hope that things will be better on the other side.
“They need to engage now. They need to engage with all of the parties. They need to engage with the DUP to ensure that they actually approach this in this world of collaboration and cooperation, rather than that which we have seen over the last number of years”.
How did the DUP respond?
DUP leader Gavin Robinson responded by saying Murphy “should tighten his nuts” and insisted his party was focused on delivery for people in Northern Ireland. Robinson said his colleagues and he were committed to the institutions as well as to delivering for the people they represent.
“My colleagues and I, whether it's party politically here in Hillsborough engagement with the government or in the executive, are committed to not only the institutions but delivering for the people we are proud to represent.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also defended her party’s performance in government. She said the DUP does not “throw a tantrum” when it does not get its way, but instead continues to turn up and stay determined.
“What you don't see us doing is when we don't get our way on a particular issue, is coming out and throwing a tantrum. What we do is we keep turning up and we keep that determination, and we continue to do that moving forward. ”
Why are Stormont parties asking for more funding?
Stormont parties have called for increased funding from the government so they can set a budget. The request comes as the executive seeks the resources it says it needs to operate properly and make financial decisions.
What was Sir Chris Bryant doing in Northern Ireland?
Sir Chris Bryant was in Northern Ireland on Friday for a series of engagements, including meetings with the political parties at Hillsborough Castle. It was his first visit since he was appointed to the job following Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Cabinet reshuffle earlier this month.
