Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“Issues relating to the internal affairs of Northern Ireland should include no role for the government of the Republic of Ireland yet the Irish Foreign Minister is joining the talks today.
“David Trimble refused to engage with the Irish government when strand one issues were discussed during the Belfast Agreement and in October 2014 Peter Weir rightly said that “No self-respecting Unionist will be present in any meeting to discuss internal Northern Ireland business where a seat at the table is given to the Irish representatives”.
“So what is the justification for Charlie Flanagan’s involvement today?”