Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“MLAs were duly summonsed for a meeting of the Assembly today, with a full Order Paper.
“But minutes before the Assembly is due to meet a decree is handed down from the Speakers/Business Office that the meeting has been cancelled. This high-handed action is designed to save the blushes of the parties over their talks debacle, and, of course, it conveniently averts Points of Order from me and any others minded to expose the farce.
“Meanwhile the Speaker continues in paid office but the Assembly doesn’t meet. What is the Speaker now being paid for?
“And, when will the Assembly that the people elected actually be allowed to meet?
“It’s time to close this farce down.”