Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has said that the DUP boycott of government in a deepening cost of living emergency is a dereliction of duty and totally indefensible. 

Deirdre Hargey said: 

“Yesterday, Ministers met to try find a way around the DUP boycott of government and get desperately needed help to families struggling with food and energy costs.  

“The lack of progress is deeply frustrating for me at a personal level and also as Communities Minister because I am aware of the human impact this crisis is having on our communities and on the most vulnerable in our society. The simple and obvious way to get the £400 energy payment out to all households quickly is through an Executive. 

“It’s totally bizarre that a DUP minister is attending meetings trying to find a way around the problems caused by his own party’s refusal to form an Executive. 

“Jeffrey Donaldson needs to end his party’s boycott. The approach of the DUP in this deepening crisis is totally indefensible and a dereliction of duty.”