MLA Bradley backs Carla Lockhart’s stand on First Minister

East Londonderry MLA Maurice Bradley has become the latest DUP member to back Carla Lockhart’s calls for the removal of Michelle O'Neill from the office of First Minister.

The Upper Bann MP has taken the stand amid the ongoing political fall-out from the Drumcree parading dispute.

Ms O’Neill, who last week attended a police station for interview, has defended her presence at the protest on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown as the “right thing to do”.

The protest was staged as part of efforts to prevent a contentious Orange Order parade proceeding down the predominantly nationalist road from nearby Drumcree Church.

Carla Lockhart has been the most vocal voice within the DUP calling on the leadership to withdraw deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly from the Stormont Executive – a move that would automatically force Ms O’Neill from her post due to the joint nature of the power-sharing structures in Northern Ireland.

On Wednesday, Mr Bradley said events surrounding the parade and the attitude displayed by senior Sinn Féin representatives have caused widespread anger and concern.

“No one is above the law, regardless of their political position. There cannot be one standard for ordinary citizens and another for those holding the highest offices in Northern Ireland,” said Mr Bradley.

“Respect is earned, not demanded. Sinn Féin's conduct and subsequent attitude have damaged confidence in our political institutions and undermined efforts to build good relations.

“The DUP must stand united, stand firmly behind its membership and honour its commitment that there would be consequences for elected representatives who break the law.

“I fully support Carla Lockhart's principled stand and sincerely hope she remains within the DUP. Unionism needs unity, strength and clear leadership, not division.

“I do not believe the public wants another collapse of the Assembly. Our hospitals, schools, communities and public services face enormous challenges that demand functioning government.

“However, maintaining political stability cannot become an excuse for avoiding accountability.

“Removing Michelle O'Neill from the office of First Minister would not, in itself, require the Assembly to collapse.

“The public deserves clarity about what action will follow, with any consequences grounded in the law and the evidence.

“We (DUP) must demonstrate that principles matter, promises matter and the rule of law matters.

“We must stand together, support Carla Lockhart, demand accountability from Sinn Féin and ensure that our response strengthens rather than weakens Unionism”.

Mr Bradley’s call came as members of the DUP’s main decision-making body met to consider the party’s next steps.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson has so far resisted pressure to pull Ms Little-Pengelly out, arguing that imploding the Executive would damage unionism.

Ms Lockhart resigned as a party officer last week over the difference of opinion with the leadership.

Also on Wednesday, a second East Londonderry MLA, Sinn Fein’s Caoimhe Archibald, revealed she was attending a police interview after receiving a PSNI letter relating to the protest on Garvaghy Road.

“I and Sinn Féin are proud to have stood with the Garvaghy Road community to protect 28 years of peace and progress,” she wrote on social media.

“Standing up for what is right is always the right thing to do. Sinn Féin will not allow our society to be dragged backwards.”