Statement by TUV MLA Jim Allister:-
“The last thing those rightly dismayed by the foisting of abortion and same sex marriage on Northern Ireland needs is false hope and pretence politics.
“It, therefore, should be made clear that mere calling of the Assembly together does not stop these unwanted changes. The legislation passed in July, sadly, requires the re-establishment of an Executive, not a mere meeting of the Assembly, to halt the changes.
“Since Sinn Fein are happy to pocket their gains on same sex marriage and abortion, I sense no willingness by Sinn Fein to allow any escape from these changes. All of which underscores the absurdity of a system which relies on the grace and favour of Sinn Fein.
Even, if the Assembly is called for Monday the N.I. Act 1998 is clear that its first business must be to elect a Speaker:
Section 39 Presiding Officer.
(1)
Each Assembly shall as its first business elect from among its members a Presiding Officer and deputies.
“As this election must be on a cross-community basis, then, again Sinn Fein can block it. Without getting past this point there can be no business transacted, even a motion deploring the imposition of abortion.
“So, whereas I would be very happy to see the Assembly recalled to discuss these issues, it is disingenuous and wrong to offer false hope to those hurting so badly over the disgraceful imposition of same sex marriage and abortion liberalisation.”