The South Belfast MLA said: “We have to ask extremely serious questions about what the DUP’s and Sinn Fein’s priorities are when we reach the stage that their dancing on the head of a pin over language issues means terminally ill patients do not get the care they need.
“This ridiculous game of chicken has gone on far too long now. There is a deal on language and culture in front of the parties, and a clear means of delivering independent reform of the Assembly so that it functions effectively and in the public interest. It is time each party leadership developed the courage to get on with it. Maintaining this gridlock for the purposes of petty party interests is unacceptable.
“It is time the leading parties re-assessed just what exactly their priorities are. People in the later stages of life and their families deserve far better than this.”