Sinn Féin : No illusions about what’s required to put the lights back on at Stormont – O’Neill

25 January, 2017 - by Michelle O'Neill

Both governments and the DUP must show real political will if there is to be any return to powersharing, Sinn Féin MLA Michelle O'Neill has insisted today.

'Stormont is being formally dissolved. The lights are going off and no one should be under any illusions about what it will require to get them back on,' she said.

'The people will now have their say in the election.

'We will be asking them to support our position that there needs to be a step change in the attitude of the DUP and a determination from both governments to restore equality and parity of esteem as the foundation of power-sharing.'

The Mid-Ulster MLA said Sinn Féin would enter the post-election negotiations seeking solutions but that political will would be required from all sides.

She said: 'Sinn Féin are always in resolution mode and that is how we will approach these negotiations. But if there is to be any prospect of success then everyone needs to show the political will to make that happen.

'That means an end to the arrogance and disrespect from the DUP, a resolution of the RHI scandal and the implementation of previous agreements.

'That is what the public wants to see. That is what it will take to restore confidence in the institutions and I believe that is an entirely reasonable position.'