'DUP are completely in Sinn Fein's pocket'

Mr Gardiner, an Assembly Member for Upper Bann, said that the Ulster Unionist Party by voting against the devolution of Policing and Justice to the Northern Ireland Assembly had taken a principled stand and was not prepared like the DUP to do the bidding of Sinn Fein.

“The truth is that the DUP is now completely in the pocket of Sinn Fein and, because of this, is incapable of properly representing the interests of the unionist people any longer.

"Devolving policing and justice was a key Sinn Fein demand and the DUP have rolled over and given in to it because they are scared stiff of an election where people can judge their craven pro-Sinn Fein performance.

"Our two local DUP snowmen Mr Simpson and Mr Moutray slinked into the lobby with Sinn Fein, melting as they went. Where now the claim of some of the snowmen - no devolution of policing and justice in a political lifetime ?

“Unionists need to use their common sense and ask a simple question – is anything so important to Sinn Fein likely to benefit unionists?"