DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson says he still believes in devolved government in Northern Ireland and “when” it returns, it must make a real difference to people’s lives.
In the clearest hint yet that he anticipates a restoration of power-sharing at Stormont, he told his party’s conference that they were “making progress” in talks with the UK government.
He added that “there remains more work to be done” regarding the impact of the Brexit border between Great Britain and Northern Ireland but hoped concerns could be addressed quickly.
Sir Jeffrey said: “There will come a point when we have to determine if the outcome of the discussions measure up to our objectives and manifesto commitments, and whether there is a sustainable basis for moving forward.
“This party has a proven track-record of saying ‘yes’, and leading from the front, when it’s right to do so.
“Equally, we will not be afraid to say ‘no’ if we conclude that what is on offer does not adequately deal with our fundamental concerns and is not in the best long-term interests of our place in the union,” he said.
The DUP has boycotted power-sharing government in Northern Ireland for 18 months, in protest over post-Brexit trading arrangements.
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The party is demanding that Northern Ireland’s place in the UK be restored and protected under the Act of Union, ensuring its ability to trade freely within the UK’s internal market.
But Sir Jeffrey told the annual gathering of the party in Belfast, that Northern Ireland is a “distinct place” and local institutions are “an essential element” in building the case for the union.
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“To those who argue that direct rule is a better option, I say this. Time and again, Westminster has imposed laws upon us that are not in tune with the needs or wishes of the people of Northern Ireland,” he added.
“You cannot on the one hand repeatedly condemn successive governments for letting us down and then argue with credibility that we are better off ruled by those who do not really understand what makes this place tick.
“Having no say in our future will not be a recipe for success.
“Our system of government is far from perfect but when it returns, we must collectively dedicate ourselves to ensuring – even when it is difficult – that decisions are taken that make a real difference to the lives of the people we represent.”
