Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“The decision of the Assembly Commission, due to a Sinn Fein veto, to not permit Stormont to take part in a UK wide plan to light up buildings to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary is a further manifestation of the oppressive bigotry of Sinn Fein rule.
“Having blocked the erection of a stone and the planting of a rose bush to mark the centenary of the formation of the state they jointly govern Sinn Fein have now blocked even the lighting of Stormont for a single night.
“This but a small snapshot of the oppression which would await Unionists if they were ever so foolish as to agree to all-Ireland.
“The shameful fact that Republicans have been able to abuse their position at Stormont to block this modest way to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland will only feed the growing realisation in Unionism that Stormont doesn’t deliver for them.
“How ironic that those who shout loudest about the need for equality and respect show so little respect to the Unionists of Northern Ireland that they couldn’t even put the lights on at Stormont!”