Statement by TUV vice-chair Allister Kyle:
“While Sir Jeffrey seeks to sell his climb down on the Seven Tests as a victory for Unionism, those his party plan to elevate to the head of government have hailed the DUP capitulation on the Protocol as an “historic turning point” which puts their goal of an all-Ireland “within touching distance” to use the words of the Sinn Fein leader.
“Unionists will rightly ask why the DUP would elevate Ms O’Neil to the post of First Minister, particularly in circumstances where the Protocol gives them the tools with which to build towards their objective of an all-Ireland.
“I urge DUP members to stop and think. Each elected representative needs to examine their conscience before proceeding with this madness. Solemn pledges have been made to the Unionist people by each of them. None of them have a mandate to return to Stormont without the Seven Tests being met. Are any of them prepared to keep their word? We will soon find out.”