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09/01/2017
RHI Scheme: 'I Will Not Be Stepping Aside' - Foster
First Minister Arlene Foster has said Sinn Féin's call for her to step aside during an investigation over the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme is "wrong".
Speaking to the Impartial Reporter she said she wanted to see an independent inquiry "probably more than anybody".
She said: "While others have been engaging in hysteria over Christmas I've been actually working to try and find a plan and work through all of this with my ministerial colleague Simon Hamilton.
"If there is an election, there is an election and we will be ready for that election as the DUP always are.
"For clarity, I will not be stepping aside."
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has lodged a motion of no confidence.
Carál Ní Chuilín MLA said: "We have lodged our motion of no confidence in Speaker Robin Newton.
“The performance in the Assembly on 19 December was a shambles and totally compromised the independence and integrity of that office.
"The Speaker should be above reproach and independently accountable to the political institutions. However, he is acting without regard to the integrity of the office and as such his position is now untenable.
“He is now part of the problem and an integral part of the unfolding crisis and he should resign immediately."
Speaking to the Impartial Reporter she said she wanted to see an independent inquiry "probably more than anybody".
She said: "While others have been engaging in hysteria over Christmas I've been actually working to try and find a plan and work through all of this with my ministerial colleague Simon Hamilton.
"If there is an election, there is an election and we will be ready for that election as the DUP always are.
"For clarity, I will not be stepping aside."
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has lodged a motion of no confidence.
Carál Ní Chuilín MLA said: "We have lodged our motion of no confidence in Speaker Robin Newton.
“The performance in the Assembly on 19 December was a shambles and totally compromised the independence and integrity of that office.
"The Speaker should be above reproach and independently accountable to the political institutions. However, he is acting without regard to the integrity of the office and as such his position is now untenable.
“He is now part of the problem and an integral part of the unfolding crisis and he should resign immediately."
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
