DUP accused of pursuing ‘wrecker’s agenda’ in Executive by Sinn Fein chairman

The DUP has been accused of pursuing “a wrecker’s agenda” in the Northern Ireland Executive by the national chairman of Sinn Fein.

Declan Kearney accused the Democratic Unionist Party of trying to “block and frustrate positive progress” in the powersharing institutions.

The Sinn Fein MLA made the comments in an article written for the Republican publication An Phoblacht.

He said that “Westminster rule” had undermined political progress at Stormont and “the prospect of achieving Irish unity is now firmly on the political horizon”.

He claimed this was driving “the increasing arrogance, negativity and confrontational approach of the DUP, and others in political unionism”.

“Of course, intra-unionist electoral rivalry is a factor, but DUP tactics are totally focused upon causing political demoralisation.

“The DUP is hellbent on pursuing a wrecker’s agenda within the Assembly and Executive, no matter what the consequence.”

Mr Kearney said that Protestants were also “questioning the benefits of being part of a decaying union” and the Labour Party’s “austerity” approach to Northern Ireland while in power at Westminster was also having an effect.

“They are watching political and economic developments in Britain and feel increasingly distant from decisions being made in London, by a Government which neither understands nor cares.

“Sinn Fein activists know this because they tell us in discussions at their doors.

“And, it is a particularly strong sentiment being expressed by young people.

“The British Labour austerity approach to the north is mutually reinforcing with the stance of political unionism.

“That is unsurprising, English politicians do not care about citizens in the north. British indifference provides cover for the DUP in its efforts to block and frustrate positive progress within the north’s political institutions.

“All this underlines the fact that the Good Friday Agreement is a peace settlement, but not a political settlement.”