Moutray out to defend DUP tactics

Mr Moutray said: “The DUP will deploy whatever tactics we need to ensure we get the right outcome from the talks process. We need to have the PIRA’s structures dealt with and the Stormont House Agreement fully implemented.

“Our approach will ensure Sinn Fein and the SDLP will not be in charge of additional Departments and therefore no decisions can be made that would be detrimental to the people of Northern Ireland. We want to create time and space to have the outstanding issues addressed. We must hold Sinn Fein’s feet to the fire and quite frankly if Gerry Adams would... tell the truth about his past... there is no doubt he could help move the process forward.

“Whilst Gerry Adams and Bobby Storey say the PIRA is gone, the Chief Constable, Secretary of State and many others disagree. For Bobby Storey to refer to the IRA as butterflies is utterly outrageous and is certainly contrary to the suggestions made by the Chief Con in relation to these most recent murders.

“The issues at hand are clear and blame for the current crisis cannot be equally distributed across all parties. There is only one party in our Executive linked to the recent murders, and only two parties, Sinn Fein and the SDLP, have reneged on their commitment to the Stormont House Agreement. These talks must move us towards an end to the blight of paramilitary organisations and devolution built on a stable financial and political future.”