NI's Deputy First Minister Resigns

NI's deputy First Minster Martin McGuinness has resigned.

His resignation follows the scandal over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme and First Minister Arlene Foster's refusal to step aside while an investigation is carried out.

Mr McGuinness said: "Over the last ten years I have worked with DUP leaders and reached out to unionists on the basis of equality, respect and reconciliation.

"Over this period the actions of the British government and the DUP have undermined the institutions and eroded public confidence

"Sinn Féin will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP.

"Sinn Féin wants equality and respect for all.

"That is what this process must be about.

"Today I tendered my resignation.

"Today is the right time to call a halt to the DUP's arrogance.

"There will be no return to the status quo."

Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA said this is not the way to resolve the scandal.

He said: "Sinn Féin should have stayed, to hold the First Minister to account, to force a public inquiry and to vote on the much-needed cost controls on the scheme.

"Instead, they have prioritised self-interest, as always. This is Sinn Fein letting the DUP off the hook. The public mood clearly indicates they want the facts of the RHI debacle exposed. To move straight to an election without this taking place is farcical. They had a choice between the integrity of the institutions and electoral advantage and they appear to have chosen the latter.

"This is simply further proof of the DUP and Sinn Fein’s inability to govern. This scandal prone Executive has had ten years to get it right, that’s longer than most get in a mature democracy. They promised a Fresh Start, but delivered a Fresh Crisis of momentous scale.

"There is a moral duty on Claire Sugden to trigger a public inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive before 5pm tonight. The public must know where the blame lies for the waste of over £400m of their money."

(CD)