Sinn Féin has accused the DUP of “deflecting” as another row flared between the parties ahead of the latest talks with the Northern Ireland Secretary over Stormont’s budget impasse.
The comment from the republican party came after DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly claimed Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill had rejected an invitation for the both of them to meet Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds alongside Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant.
Both Ms O’Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly are set to hold talks at Stormont with Sir Chris later on Thursday, but in separate engagements with their respective parties, rather than together representing the Executive Office.
Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant is holding talks separately with Emma Little-Pengelly and Michelle O’Neill on Thursday (PA)
PA Wire
Executive departments have been operating without a budget since the beginning of the current financial year in April, and are currently only allowed to spend up to 95% of last year’s funding.
Ministers in the devolved powersharing administration have insisted they cannot strike a budget for 2026/27 without additional financial support from Westminster.
The UK Government has offered an extra £1.5 billion over the next three years in an effort to assist with balancing the books, but Stormont’s leaders insist that is not enough.
In response, Sir Chris has hit out at “irresponsible” overspending by devolved ministers.
On Wednesday evening, Ms Little-Pengelly criticised Ms O’Neill in a social media post.
“Tomorrow we have an opportunity and offer to meet with the Secretary of State and the Chief Secretary of the Treasury on budget and she has refused to attend that meeting,” she wrote.
“This is not responsibility, that is recklessness and an abdication of her role.”
In response, Sinn Féin said there had been no agreement at the Stormont Executive for a joint First Minister and deputy First Minister meeting with the UK Government.
“Today’s meeting was/is party leaders – Sinn Féin is meeting the SoS (Sir Chris) at 12.30,” the party said in a statement.
“FM has met SoS on many occasions – is in constant, direct contact.
“The DUP are deflecting.
“There are attempts to find a suitable time for the other meeting with the CST (Ms Reynolds) and SOS.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has urged the parties to step forward and set a budget (PA)
PA Wire
The Prime Minister has pressed Northern Ireland’s ministers to agree a devolved budget, insisting the onus cannot always be on the UK Government to resolve Stormont’s financial problems.
Andy Burnham told MPs in the House of Commons on Wednesday that he had spoken to the Stormont parties on a recent visit to Northern Ireland and had subsequently found more money despite a “very difficult situation” in terms of the UK’s overall public finances.
He added: “I found extra money and there comes a point where people have to work together to set a budget.
“It can’t always be our responsibility. We stepped forward and I ask all parties in Northern Ireland to do the same – set a budget and get Stormont functioning as it should.”