Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has told delegates at Sinn Féin’s Ard Fheis that one party’s blockade of the Executive is hurting workers, businesses and public services.

The South Down MP was speaking after devastating floods affected several towns in the constituency.

Chris Hazzard said:

“One party’s reckless boycott of the Executive is hurting workers, businesses and public services.

“Last week, as floods decimated parts of South Down, people were left at the mercy of a Tory government as a result of having no Executive.

“Since the flooding, the British government has provided no support for workers and an inadequate emergency relief package which does not meet the needs of businesses. It has stripped money away from hard-pressed local departments which are already struggling with savage Tory cuts.

“This is yet another example of why we need an Executive restored now and all parties working together to support workers, businesses and public services.

“Public patience has run out. People cannot wait any longer.”