Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew has said any attempts to introduce direct rule by the back door are unacceptable. 

The Fermanagh South Tyrone MP said: 

“The proposal by Reg Empey to hand control of the health service in the north to Westminster is a non-starter. 

“It represents a cynical attempt to introduce direct rule by the back door and as such is unacceptable. 

“It clearly flies in the face of the St Andrew’s Agreement. 

“We want to see an Executive in place delivering good government and public services to all. 

“If that cannot be secured then the British and Irish Intergovernmental Conference must come into play, not unilateral control by a British government which is mired in chaos. 

“This is yet another example of the fact that there are no solutions to be found at Westminster.”