Individual Post

Sinn Féin MLA Michelle O’Neill told the British Secretary of State today that he should call an election on Monday and allow the people to have their say on the Renewable Heat Incentive  (RHI) scandal and the crisis in the political institutions. 

Michelle O’Neill said:

“A Sinn Féin delegation met with the British Secretary of State James Brokenshire today. 

“We made it clear that we would not be re-nominating for the post of Deputy First Minister and told him he should call an election at the earliest possible opportunity. 

“We told him that suspension of the institutions is not an option. 

“We told him that there would be no return to the status quo and no return to direct rule. 

“The crisis of confidence in the institutions has gone way beyond the RHI scandal. 

“The equality, mutual respect and all-Ireland approaches enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement have never been fully embraced by the DUP.   

“The DUP cannot be allowed to block equality for women, the LGBT community, ethnic minorities, the Irish language community and Irish identity.  

“The Irish and British governments are responsible for equality and parity of esteem. They need to fulfill their obligations. 

“The people must be allowed to have their say.”