Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney called today for the immediate restoration of power sharing to maximise the economic opportunities of the Windsor Framework.

Declan Kearney was speaking after a meeting with a delegation from the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee during a visit to Stormont.

The delegation was led by Chair of the Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange, and included other senior MEPs.

Speaking after the meeting, the party’s Brexit spokesperson said:

“I took the opportunity to brief colleagues from the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee at this time.

“The significant economic potential within the Protocol and Windsor Framework is being hampered due to one party’s refusal to accept democracy and restore the power sharing Executive. 

“I told the delegation there is huge potential for investors who wish to avail of our dual market access but who are concerned by the ongoing political instability.

“I highlighted the huge harm being caused in our community and the economic difficulties being faced by local workers and families.

“I strongly welcome that members of the committee restated their support for the Windsor Framework and the restoration of our political institutions.

“The Windsor Framework is now an integral part of the protocol and is widely supported across the north, in Westminster and the EU. 

“The British Government has made it very clear that further renegotiation of the Windsor Framework is not an option and that the matter is settled. This is the unambiguous position of the European Commission.

“We need an immediate return to power sharing and the North/South institutions to realise the full potential of our access to the British and EU markets, and create the political stability needed to begin addressing the crisis across our public services.”