Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“It is not without significance that on the day Sinn Fein is being turbo-triumphant in Dublin, the DUP in Stormont joins with Sinn Fein to announce that the sole legislation agreed to be introduced by the First Ministers is that which includes the Sinn Fein red line of Irish language legislation.
“Delivering the Sinn Fein agenda is now the business of Stormont.
“Whether a lone voice or not, I promise vigorous opposition to this unnecessary legislation.
“It is beyond absurd that at a time when the Executive is strapped for cash the priority of the First Ministers is to legislate for squander on language proposals which will divert millions away from the areas of real need in health and education. Every million spent on an Irish Language enforcer and the fig leaf nonsense of Ulster Scots, is a million less for health. What a scandal with waiting lists out of control, but for Stormont pandering to the insatiable demands of the Irish language sector is more important.
“The First Ministers’ statement says the legislative programme was agreed by the Executive yesterday (Monday). Can the public assume this included the UUP which has maintained it opposes Irish language legislation?”