Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Chris J Ratcliffe
What is it good for?

'What are Sinn Féin delivering? Absolutely nothing' - Foster says DUP won't be held to 'ransom'

Both parties have been deadlocked now for over 14 months.

DUP LEADER ARLENE Foster has delivered another broadside to former power-sharing partners Sinn Féin.

Speaking at the party’s spring policy conference in the Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena, Foster accused Sinn Féin of delivering nothing.

Both parties have been deadlocked now for over 14 months when the Stormont Executive collapsed – leaving Northern Ireland without a functioning Assembly.

The DUP last month collapsed talks after disagreement on an Irish Language Act. Foster said that she “respects the Irish language” but that her party cannot agree to a standalone Irish Language Act, as is sought by Sinn Féin.

Speaking today, Foster sent accusations back to Sinn Féin.

“This week, the Secretary of State placed a Budget for Northern Ireland before the House of Commons. It was a Budget that had the hallmarks of this Party as the resources promised in the Confidence and Supply Agreement began to flow. £410 million of additional spending without which a difficult Budget would have been far worse.

“People are starting to see that not only were the naysayers who doubted that the Confidence and Supply money was real were very, very wrong but that the DUP deliver for everyone in every part of Northern Ireland.

What are Sinn Fein delivering for our people? The answer is short and simple – absolutely nothing. Sorry, that isn’t entirely fair. Sinn Féin are at least trying to deliver. They are trying to deliver division and dysfunction. But we are not going to allow them to hold Northern Ireland to ransom any longer.

Foster’s comments come after Britain’s Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn sacked shadow Northern Ireland secretary Owen Smith. Smith said that he had been sack over his views on the damage Brexit will do to the Good Friday Agreement.

Corbyn has described Smith’s replacement Tony Lloyd as “committed to ensuring that peace in Northern Ireland is maintained”, and will work to get devolution “back on track”.

Read: Jeremy Corbyn sacks shadow Northern Irish secretary for calling for another Brexit vote

Your Voice
Readers Comments
83
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel