Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly today said the decision by the UUP to pull out of the Executive reeks of opportunism and rank hypocrisy.
Gerry Kelly said:
“There has been speculation for quite some time that the UUP would pull out of the Executive and go into opposition.
“The fact they have done this on the cusp of an election shows their actions are being driven by inter-unionist rivalry and electoral self-interest.
“It has nothing to do with what is good for society or the stability of the political institutions and their ability to deliver for all our people.
“This action reeks of opportunism and rank hypocrisy.
“This is the same party and same leader which walked out of talks last year to stand shoulder to shoulder with the representatives of loyalist paramilitary groups which are actively involved in drug dealing, extortion and murder.
“Instead of the amateur dramatics so loved by its leader the UUP would be better working with all the parties on the real issues of ending Tory austerity and cuts and protecting the most vulnerable in society.”
