Edwin Poots, who was elected to lead the region’s biggest unionist party last Friday, has ruled out participating in the cross-border discussions until he has met the Irish Government. In an interview with today’s Sunday Life, Mr Poots accuses the Dublin government of having damaged North/South relations in its “aggressive” conduct over the protocol. Describing it as “entirely unacceptable”, Mr Poots claimed the Dublin Government is imposing the protocol “upon citizens of Northern Ireland who take the position of either being British or Irish or indeed both”. They need to recognise the unacceptability of what they have done.”During the interview, Mr Poots admitted he has “failings like every other human being”. I have failings like every other human being.”Meanwhile, Arlene Foster’s remaining tenure as first minister will be decided by the party in the coming days, Mr Poots has indicated.

Source: Irish Independent May 16, 2021 13:06 UTC