Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“Recent discussion in the House of Lords on the designations First Minister and deputy First Minister make it timely to renew my call to both the DUP and UUP to come clean with the electorate on whether they would block or enthrone a Sinn Fein First Minister.
“Every unionist must remember a Sinn Fein First Minister is only possible with the help of Unionists.
“Because it is a joint office, there can never be a Sinn Féin First Minister unless they find a stooge unionist party to nominate a deputy. TUV is clear: we will never empower Sinn Fein. Will other Unionist parties equally commit to blocking a Sinn Féin First Minister?
“The electorate are entitled to know. As things stand only a vote for TUV guarantees an MLA who will never be Sinn Féin’s bridesmaid.”