Sinn Féin has urged DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson not to squander the current forward momentum ahead of further talks aimed at restoring power-sharing in Northern Ireland. On Monday, the main political parties will meet with the secretary of state to discuss a £2.5bn financial package for Stormont. The package is dependent on the restoration of an executive and would include a lump sum to settle public sector pay claims, as well as a new “needs-based” funding formula for public services. However, party leaders have said that the sum offered isn’t sufficient. The DUP left power-sharing 22 months ago over post-Brexit trade arrangements.
North Belfast MP John Finucane said Sir Jeffrey should “not to waste the opportunity that is present”. Speaking on BBC News NI’s Sunday Politics, he added: “If he prevaricates and allows this to drift then that will be to the detriment to everybody in this society.” Eóin Tennyson of the Alliance Party said what the DUP wanted or what it would actually do “are often two completely different things”. However, Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie stated that as it stands, his party intended to re-enter the executive if a new one is formed, rather than going into opposition.
SDLP, which lost right to nominate a minister following disappointing election results in May 2022, said it would enter into formal opposition if an executive were formed. The party’s Matthew O’Toole said unlike other parties, the SDLP accepted the judgment of the electorate. Meanwhile, TUV leader Jim Allister said he would re-enter opposition if the assembly were recalled. However, he added: “I am an assembly member and if the assembly is there, I will be there as a voice of opposition.
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