Speaking from Stormont Conor Murphy said;

“Last Friday DUP Agriculture Minister Gordon Lyons issued a letter to the Executive to say he had instructed his officials to halt work on infrastructure and other matters at the ports.

“At the time it was clear to those of us who understand the Ministerial Code that he did not have authority to take such action, as it’s for the Executive collectively to decide its policy on anything that is cross-cutting or significant or controversial, as this of course is. 

“The Protocol was agreed as a compromise to avoid a harder border in Ireland, protect the Good Friday Agreement and the All-Ireland economy. It’s the consequence of Brexit which we campaigned against and which no good will come from.

“The DUP must shoulder its responsibility for the active role they played with the Tories in creating these circumstances we are now living with, despite the majority of people and MLAs opposing their approach.

“It is time the DUP was honest with the public and accepted that the Executive is legally obliged to comply with the commitments set out in the Withdrawal Agreement and the Protocol, both of which now form part of the law.” ENDS/CRÍOCH