Speaking after the publication of the inquiry’s second report, the Upper Bann MLA highlighted its damning conclusions, including the inappropriate use of cross‑community votes resulting in “dysfunctional” decision‑making, and evidence that current structures weakened the Executive’s ability to respond effectively.

“My thoughts are with everyone across Northern Ireland who was profoundly impacted by the pandemic. Their experiences must be at the heart of how we reflect on the Executive’s response,” he said.

“The Covid Inquiry has laid bare that, even in the context of a global pandemic, ministers from the two largest parties failed to put the common interest of all the people of Northern Ireland ahead of their own, narrow party political interests.

“It has also exposed the shameful misuse of cross-community votes to block public health measures, resulting in dysfunctional decision-making and undermining the ability of the Executive to respond effectively.

“These damming findings underscore yet again the pressing and irrefutable need to end the ability of any single party to paralyse decision-making, or the Executive itself, holding us all to ransom in the process. The people of Northern Ireland deserve institutions which are stable, accountable, and capable of prioritising their wellbeing. The Secretary of State must now commence a process with local parties, and the Irish Government, to deliver reform of our institutions without further delay.”