SDLP leader says new DUP leader must end "brinkmanship" at Stormont

By Q Radio News

Colum Eastwood says it's time for the "brinkmanship" that has gripped the DUP and Sinn Fein over the last number of weeks to come to an end. 

The SDLP leader was commenting as Sir Jeffrey Donaldson prepares to be crowned the new leader of the DUP this weekend. 

The Lagan Valley MP is the only member to throw his hat in the ring for the top job - before nominations closed yesterday.

Colum Eastwood says it's time for the "brinkmanship" that has gripped the DUP and Sinn Fein over the last number of weeks to come to an end.https://t.co/6bvKMRCuAR

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 23, 2021

“I have offered my congratulations to Jeffrey Donaldson on his appointment as Leader of the DUP. There are significant challenges facing all of us, not least of all the crisis in our health service and the operation of the protocol. It is important that political leaders work together to address those challenges and deliver for the people we represent. 

“It is now time for the brinkmanship that has gripped the DUP and Sinn Féin over the last number of weeks to come to an end. No one in our community is served by threats to pull down the Executive. We need to be relentlessly focussed on addressing the collapse of our health service and the hundreds of thousands waiting on treatment, the systemic inequalities in education and the children still waiting for a post primary place and the coming economic crisis when pandemic support begins to wind down. All of those challenges will be made worse without government. 

“The new DUP leader also needs to reflect on how we can all work together to mitigate the impact of Brexit. The current arrangements are a direct result of a series of disastrous decisions taken by his party. But we all have a duty now to address the challenges, press the advantages, and most of all to be honest with people. The best way to reduce the burden of checks at our ports is for the British Government to agree an SPS deal with the European Union. Anyone serious about addressing the situation knows that and will join us in seeking that sensible resolution.”

And chairman of the DUP Lord Morrow has acknowledged the chaos of the last fortnight.

He said: "Now is the time to move forward in the spirit of humility and mindful that our focus must be serving the people who we represent.  I look forward to the challenges of rebuilding and reconnecting in the time ahead."

(Mr Donaldson will officially be made leader of the DUP on Saturday)