DUP ‘disrespecting’ Stormont

DUP ‘disrespecting’ Stormont

25 May 2022

NEWLY elected South Down MLA Patrick Brown has expressed his frustration at the DUP’s refusal to go into government.

The Alliance politician said the DUP’s move to block the appointment of an Assembly speaker, and prevent MLAs from sitting, was “hugely disrespectful” the people of Northern Ireland during the cost of living crisis.

He said there was a desperate need for a functioning government. 

“People are struggling with the cost of living crisis and yet the DUP turned up to take their salaries, but not their seats,” Mr Brown declared. “They get paid for refusing to work to help the very people who elected them, whilst those people do not receive the help they need.”

The new MLA said he joined many of his Assembly colleagues at Stormont last week for the first time, ready and willing to get to work, with the vast majority turning up last Friday to sign in and get started. 

“We have been elected by the people of Northern Ireland to do a job and that is what most of us want to do,” he continued. “And yet the DUP turned up, signed the roll to ensure they receive their salaries and then refused to support the appointment of a speaker.”

Mr Brown said he was part of a historic 17-strong team of Alliance MLAs, committed to serving the people who elected them and wanting to work to find solutions to the various crises people are facing.

He added:” However, once again, the DUP have shown none of that commitment, holding our government to ransom over one issue. Until there is a change, the Alliance Assembly team will continue to work tirelessly to do everything we can for our constituents.”