Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has said the Regional Development Minister’s resignation from the Executive is proof the UUP has abdicated responsibility for the current crisis at Stormont.
The East Belfast MLA was speaking after Danny Kennedy announced he would officially step down from his position at midnight following the UUP’s decision to leave the Executive.
Mr Lyttle said the UUP was making itself irrelevant while Alliance remained focused on reaching a solution to the crisis.
“There is no question we are in the middle of a crisis – one which has been worsened by the UUP’s opportunistic move. While they are fuelled by speculation and point scoring, Alliance remains led by the police evidence.
“These last few weeks have shown paramilitarism remains unaddressed in Northern Ireland. Bringing that to an end is now the challenge. Gesture politics such as those displayed by the UUP have no place in that debate, instead putting at risk the entire political process.
“The integrity of that process needs restored, of that there is no doubt. Alliance is providing leadership and attempting to resolve things in a responsible manner, unlike the UUP, who have effectively made themselves irrelevant by walking away.”