Statement by TUV South Belfast candidate Andrew Girvin:
“This morning several politicians in Northern Ireland including Alliance MP Stephen Farry and UUP leader Doug Beattie have called for the resignation of the Prime Minister amid renewed speculation about gatherings at No 10 during the lockdown.
“As someone who suffered a particularly bad bout of Covid which resulted in hospitalisation, I understand the importance of treating this disease seriously. As a businessman and a father of school aged children I understand how challenging lockdown was for working people and families. As an ordinary citizen I share the frustration of those who believe that those who set the rules should abide by the rules.
“However, it needs to be said that no one who remains in a party represented round the Executive table in Stormont Castle is in any position to call for resignations over breaches of Covid regulations.
“The most flagrant example in the UK of government Ministers refusing to follow the rules they set for others was the Bobby Storey funeral. While countless families across Northern Ireland buried loved ones within the regulations, a convicted terrorist was given a send off attended by thousands – including members of the Northern Ireland Executive who traveled to the funeral in publically funded Ministerial cars!
“Shamefully not only did the PSNI sit back and permit this to happen on the day but engaged in pre-funeral planning with the funeral organisers.
“Yet after a little huffing and puffing it was back to normal and our terrorist inclusive Executive continued on its merry way as if nothing had happened with no one held accountable.
“That being the case, regardless of what happened at Downing Street those who continue to partner Sinn Fein in government should think very carefully before offering any advice on the Prime Minister’s moral authority.”