SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon MLA has expressed deep frustration that remaining Covid-19 restrictions cannot be easily lifted as a result of the DUP’s boycott of Executive responsibility.

The SDLP’s Minister said that people are being punished and will rightly be angry that the DUP has prioritised selfish political games over Covid recovery.

Nichola Mallon MLA said:

“Today should have been a major milestone in our recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. After all the sacrifices that people, families and businesses have made over the last two years, we should have been in a position to lift a significant number of the remaining legal restrictions. Instead, we’re all locked into out-of-date restrictions because Jeffrey Donaldson and the DUP continue to boycott the Executive and shirk their responsibilities to people.

“The Former First Minister Paul Givan should explain why selfish political games are more important than our recovery from this pandemic. He should explain why he resigned from office knowing what would happen this week. Every DUP public representative should be forced to account for political decisions that have put their own interests above the needs of people.

“They just don’t get it. People are under so much pressure as a result of this pandemic and these restrictions. They deserve a government, and political parties, who will put their interests first.”