Sinn Fein should implement agreements

Mr Beattie said, “Sinn Fein have stated that in order to make progress they need to see a commitment and plan to implement previous agreements.

“Given that Sinn Fein’s demand for an Irish Language Act is one of the stumbling blocks in reaching agreement to enable devolution to be restored, I am calling on them to practice what they preach.

“The Flags, Identity, Culture and Traditions (FICT) commission was set up in June 2016 under the DUP/Sinn Fein Fresh Start Agreement.

“It has been running for nine months and its interim report is due in the next few weeks.

“It is due to present its findings to the Executive Office in December 2017 – nine months from now.

“One of the main issues being considered by the FICT is the Irish language, through considerable engagement with civic society.

“Given that the Commission is part of the out-workings of the Stormont House Agreement, it would surely make sense for Sinn Fein to agree to let the Commission complete its work and report its findings on language and culture.

“This solution has the potential to let us focus on reaching agreement on other issues and restore devolution to Northern Ireland.”