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21/04/2023
DUP 'Remind UK Govt Of Damaged Foundations'
The DUP has reaffirmed their commitment to "fully restoring Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom".
Following comments by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP "reminded" the Government that the "damaged foundations of devolved government must be underpinned with unionist as well as nationalist support if we are to give our children stable and sustainable devolved government".
Sir Jeffrey said: "We seek to re-establish the Northern Ireland Assembly by finishing the job of fully restoring Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom. We stand ready to work with the Prime Minister and his Government to ensure that stable devolution is delivered through sustainable and balanced outcomes that have solid foundations based on the support of unionists as well as nationalists.
"We welcome the fact that the Prime Minister has this afternoon made clear that progress cannot be made by 'trying to get around' one community or another and that institutional reform cannot happen in the absence of support from both unionists and nationalists.
"Whilst the Alliance Party and others, under the guise of reform, want to exclude unionists, this will not work and will not be acceptable to us. Now is a time for realism. History should teach everyone that sustainable devolved government will not be possible if the views of unionists are ignored, excluded or demonised.
"We must get the foundations right. Short term fixes will lead to short term devolution and will do a disservice to those trying to make the institutions work. We are in the business of finishing the job and ensuring that NI's position within the Union is not continually undermined.
"Northern Ireland will only ever move forward if we all move forward together."
Following comments by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP "reminded" the Government that the "damaged foundations of devolved government must be underpinned with unionist as well as nationalist support if we are to give our children stable and sustainable devolved government".
Sir Jeffrey said: "We seek to re-establish the Northern Ireland Assembly by finishing the job of fully restoring Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom. We stand ready to work with the Prime Minister and his Government to ensure that stable devolution is delivered through sustainable and balanced outcomes that have solid foundations based on the support of unionists as well as nationalists.
"We welcome the fact that the Prime Minister has this afternoon made clear that progress cannot be made by 'trying to get around' one community or another and that institutional reform cannot happen in the absence of support from both unionists and nationalists.
"Whilst the Alliance Party and others, under the guise of reform, want to exclude unionists, this will not work and will not be acceptable to us. Now is a time for realism. History should teach everyone that sustainable devolved government will not be possible if the views of unionists are ignored, excluded or demonised.
"We must get the foundations right. Short term fixes will lead to short term devolution and will do a disservice to those trying to make the institutions work. We are in the business of finishing the job and ensuring that NI's position within the Union is not continually undermined.
"Northern Ireland will only ever move forward if we all move forward together."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
