Assembly should be working on Monday, not closed for Bush

1.11.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 13th Jun 2008

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has slammed the DUP and Sinn Fein's decision to cancel the Assembly sitting this Monday, when George W. Bush is visiting Belfast. He said that given the lack of work done by the Executive over the past year, they cannot justify losing a day at the Assembly. He also stated that there is no need to stop the Assembly from sitting because President Bush isn't even visiting that building - he's only going to Stormont Castle!

Kieran McCarthy MLA stated: "It's a joke that the Assembly will not sit on Monday. The DUP and Sinn Fein should be ashamed of themselves for taking the day off for no valid reason.

"President Bush isn't even coming to Parliament Buildings, so I cannot see how his visit would require the closure of the Assembly. The DUP and Sinn Fein would do better to get down to some work on Monday instead of gladhanding with President Bush.

"Why are the DUP and Sinn Fein hiding President Bush down at Stormont Castle? Has Monday's visit been organised solely for the purposed of gaining publicity for the DUP and Sinn Fein?

"The public will take a very dim view of this visit and will be extremely annoyed that those in power have decided to take a day off when they should be at work."

ENDS