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The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party has called for the result of the Brexit referendum to be respected, adding that the UK should leave the EU sensibly.<\/p>\nThe leader of the Democratic Unionist Party has called for the result of the Brexit referendum to be respected, adding that the UK should leave the EU sensibly.<\/p>\n
Arlene Foster told members of the business community in north Belfast on Friday that the fundamental issues of the Withdrawal Agreement \u201chave not changed\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Prime Minister wants to secure a deal before the UK leaves the European Union,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will give every assistance in trying to secure a deal. That has always been our position.\u201d<\/p>\n
She made the comments as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces pressure to stop calling the law blocking a no-deal Brexit the \u201cSurrender Act\u201d.<\/p>\n
The so-called Benn Law demands that Mr Johnson seeks an extension if a Brexit deal has not been secured by October 19.<\/p>\n
Mrs Foster said she wants an agreement that works for Northern Ireland and the Republic.<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cThat agreement must be one which can be supported by both unionists and nationalists however.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot one single unionist MLA supports the Withdrawal Agreement which is one reason why it has floundered.\u201d<\/p>\n
Addressing speculation of a general election, Mrs Foster said: \u201cIf an election is called, we will stand on our record of delivery and seek more votes to increase Northern Ireland\u2019s influence in Parliament.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith another hung parliament being predicted, people know it was the DUP who delivered more money for schools, roads and hospitals.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was the DUP who delivered \u00a3150m to bring faster broadband to homes and businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat other parties do in that election is a matter for them. Their policy agreement appears to go no further than a desire to attack the DUP.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo other party has delivered a single extra penny for Northern Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n
The DUP leader also accused Sinn F\u00e9in of \u201cpunishing\u201d the public with their \u201cnarrow demands\u201d over restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive.<\/p>\n
The devolved Assembly collapsed in January 2017, and despite recent attempts to restore the power-sharing government, talks have failed.<\/p>\n
Mrs Foster claimed she would \u201crestore devolution today\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would appoint ministers today. Our schools and hospitals need decisions made,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would like to see more engagement and commitment from Sinn F\u00e9in to show they are sincere about restoring the Assembly and Executive.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir narrow demands are punishing the public, who deserve to have local representatives taking decisions on their behalf.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have my pledge to enter the Executive without precondition.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery other party in Northern Ireland must step forward and state whether they can make that pledge to the public.\u201d<\/p>\n