Election Reflects The Disdain PM Holds For NI - SDLP

The SDLP claims the Prime Minister's "rush" to call a snap election reflects the disdain she holds for Northern Ireland.

Leader Colum Eastwood was speaking after Theresa May's announcement that she intends to hold a General Election on 08 June.

Mr Eastwood also said the election on Brexit offers an opportunity for the public to stand behind parties which have steadfastly fought to defend the North.

He said: "It tells you all you need to know about Theresa May that she would call a snap Westminster election in the middle of intense efforts to restore power sharing government to Northern Ireland. From the beginning of her tenure as British Prime Minister she has shown very little but disinterest and disdain for this place.

"As Theresa May seeks a mandate for a hard Brexit from an English electorate, people here have an opportunity to unite behind parties which have defended their will and sought to protect our values.

"England may want to isolate itself from Europe and the world. But people in Northern Ireland and Scotland made a different choice. A choice that cannot be fulfilled through a hard Brexit. We now have an opportunity to strengthen the mandate of parties which campaigned against and consistently voted against Brexit at Westminster."

Ulster Unionist Leader Robin Swann MLA said the election will be about strengthening the hand of the United Kingdom in forthcoming Brexit negotiations.

He said: "Tom Elliott & Danny Kinahan have proven that Ulster Unionist MPs can be that positive, pragmatic voice for Northern Ireland.

"Following the March election I would encourage everyone to ensure they are registered to vote and that if necessary they secure postal and proxy votes for the 8th of June to ensure their voice is heard at the ballot box."

(CD)