Doug Beattie MC MLA said, “The question of whether the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland’s pursuits of revenue-raising powers to force the DUP back into government is an irrelevant one. The simple fact is that without a devolved government, we have no say, no scrutiny and absolutely no power. 

“The effects of Brexit, the Protocol and the mitigating Windsor Framework are harmful to many for various reasons. Yet, the damage of having no Executive or functioning Stormont is far worse for the people, Northern Ireland and our place in the United Kingdom.

“The cries for Direct Rule amplify the revenue-raising powers of the SoS. The implementation of Westminster’s ideas on what is good for Northern Ireland will drive the middle-ground pro-union voter away over time. It is so obvious that it is painful to watch. 

“This is a case of risk versus gain. 

“Right now, the risk in Northern Ireland not having devolved government outstrips the gains. The influence of Dublin, however unhelpful it is articulated, will gather pace. We can switch it all off by mapping out our own future by getting back to work.”