Statement by TUV party chairman and East Londonderry candidate Jordan Armstrong:
“With both the DUP and UUP dodging the question of whether they would serve under a Sinn Fein First Minister I am glad that TUV are able to offer total clarity on the issue.
“The key point to remember in is that, because it is a joint office, a Sinn Fein First Minister is only possible if they find a Unionist willing to act as deputy First Minister. The question the DUP and UUP must answer is a simple one – in the event of Sinn Fein emerging as the largest party will they nominate a stooge as deputy? If Unionists are united in agreeing that they will not then the possibility of a Sinn Fein First Minister does not arise.
“TUV is very clear: there are no circumstances in which we would enable a Sinn Fein First Minister. We would not nominate a deputy and thereby block a Sinn Fein First Minister. But what will the DUP and UUP do? Voters are entitled to know. As things stand only a vote for TUV guarantees unalterable opposition to a Sinn Fein First Minister.
“If you don’t want a Sinn Fein First Minister the choice is clear – vote TUV.”