While sceptical of motives for Six Week delay, Empey Welcomes Progress
Speaking today, Ulster Unionist Party Leader Sir Reg Empey said,
“There is no escaping the significance of today’s events. Today’s meeting was of historic importance.
It almost seems inconceivable that the DUP leader had been forced to make a U-turn and is prepared to go into government with Sinn Fein when he had previously denounced the Ulster Unionists for years for going into power with the SDLP.
As a consequence of the events leading up to today, Gerry Adams has scored a huge propaganda coup and Sinn Fein has been given very significant bargaining power with the Government. We remain concerned at the price that will be paid for this six week delay in terms of further concessions.
However, the fact that the people of Northern Ireland appear to be closer today to getting their long overdue devolved institutions back up and running is to be welcomed. While I remain deeply sceptical at the underlying motives behind this six week delay, it does nonetheless represent progress.
As significant players in the process, both in the past and today, the Ulster Unionist Party stands ready to play our part in delivering the much needed changes to how Northern Ireland is governed.”