SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA has criticised Sinn Féin for their failure to back calls for a public inquiry into the RHI scandal.
Sinn Féin today released terms of reference for an investigation that would require drafting of new legislation and could be conducted in private.
But this evening DUP First Minister Arlene Foster is refusing to step aside while an investigation is carried out.
It could now force Sinn Fein to quit Stormont
Mr Eastwood said, “Sinn Féin are going to extreme efforts to avoid a public inquiry.
“Their proposals talk about bringing forward new legislation when legislation to establish a full public inquiry is already in place.
“Their legislation could take weeks to bring forward and agree – a full public inquiry could be established tomorrow.
“Sinn Féin appear determined to cook up an inquiry which might be acceptable to the DUP. We are only interested in an inquiry which is acceptable to the public.
“The only blockage in establishing that public inquiry is Arlene Foster’s arrogance. The only reason there may be an election is because of Arlene Foster’s arrogance. After 10 years in coalition together, Sinn Féin must finally end their appeasement of that arrogance.
“This scandal started when Arlene Foster was a Minister – it can only end when Arlene Foster steps aside, the full truth is uncovered and the public purse is protected.
“This crisis should have been resolved before Christmas and must not be allowed to stretch long into this new year.
“This failing Executive is gridlocked and government has ground to a halt. We are still waiting on a draft budget and are still waiting on a coherent position on Brexit as the clock ticks down to the triggering of Article 50. We cannot afford another week of choreographed in-fighting between the DUP and Sinn Féin.”
