Micheál Martin refuses to comment on speculation on DUP powersharing deal

By Cate McCurry, PA

The Tánaiste has refused to comment on speculation the DUP is close to ending its Stormont powersharing boycott.

Micheál Martin said he wants to give the DUP the “space” to hold its crunch meeting on Monday evening, which will see its party leader brief senior members on UK Government-proposed measures aimed at resolving their post-Brexit concerns.

The DUP has refused to take part in Stormont’s devolved institutions for two years in protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements, which have created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The party has been holding meetings with the UK Government in a bid to secure concessions to alleviate their concerns around trade and sovereignty.

Speaking after the Brexit Stakeholders Forum discussing Brexit-related changes, Mr Martin said: “Well, I think everybody knows that I would like to see the restoration of the Executive and the Assembly, and that said I think less is more today in the sense that the DUP is meeting today.

“I respect the fact that they are meeting and having internal discussions; they’ve had discussions with UK Government on an ongoing basis for the last number of months and so we all know what’s involved and we all know the details here.

“So it’s really a matter for the DUP to meet. I want to give them the space now to have their meeting.”

Mr Martin said he is in regular contact with Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris, with whom he spoke before and after Christmas.

Mr Martin added: “Given that the DUP are meeting this evening, I’m not sure it’s helpful that I would start discussing what’s on the table and what’s not on the table.

“I’m aware of what they are seeking and I think there have been discussions, very lengthy discussions, between the UK Government and the DUP and my view is that the restoration of the Assembly and the Executive is in the best interest of Northern Ireland and its people and above all the economy of Northern Ireland.

“I think what has been agreed over time now puts Northern Ireland in a very strong position to grow economically, and in discussions with the business sector and the industrial sector in Northern Ireland they are very clear about the potential win-win now for Northern Ireland on all fronts under the present frameworks.”