Statement by TUV Mourne councillor Henry Reilly:
“What finally pushed Stormont into the latest crisis was supposedly the DUP’s tough stand on the IRA. This agreement, however, makes it clear that they have rolled over.
“There is no “fresh start” from Sinn Fein/IRA who remain in public denial about the continued existence of the IRA Army Council, never mind its key role in controlling Sinn Fein.
“As the recent report from the Government made clear the IRA is still involved in serious crime up to and including murder. The IRA retains weapons. The IRA Army Council continues to oversee Sinn Fein.
“None of that has changed as a result of this Agreement.
“We are being asked to believe that Sinn Fein/IRA will stop taking directions from an illegal and armed terrorist organisation simply because they say so. This is the same Sinn Fein which continues to insist that the IRA doesn’t exist!
“The DUP are now openly in government with the IRA and there is no pretence about the issue.
“Expect the new monitoring body to announce huge progress in relation to the IRA in the time leading up to the election.”