The DUP’s collapsing of the Executive is neither a positive nor a progressive move.

Neither is the hand wringing of other parties about the work which cannot now be completed. It  rings very hollow given the Executive’s  appalling record of underachievement.

This level of political brinksmanship has never been occasioned by the scandalous levels of child poverty in our society, It has not been sought as a solution to hospital waiting llists, fuel  poverty, rising energy prices, homelessness, low pay or the rising reliance on food banks. 

Not only must the First Minister resume his responsibilities immediately, but the collective Executive should start delivering for the ordinary people that they have so readily abandoned.

The issues around the Protocol must be addressed, but this is not the way to do it