WATCH: Executive must show leadership in the fight against Covid19, say MLAs

By Q Radio News

The Executive is to meet again today to discuss Covid-19 restrictions and possible amendments to the rules within the hospitality sector.

Ministers held a series of meetings yesterday, but were unable to find a way forward.

A four-week circuit-breaker lockdown that has forced the closure of much of the hospitality sector - is due to end at midnight on Thursday.

Prior to the Executive meeting reconvening, the First Minister Arlene Foster appeared in the Assembly saying she hopes "consensus can be achieved.."

 “I think we are all dealing with very difficult situations at the moment, we will have an executive meeting later today and I very much hope that consensus can be achieved.

“We’re in a five-party coalition, Mr Speaker, and there are many administrations across the United Kingdom and the other administrations in the BIC who do not have to deal with differing political philosophies and ways forward.

“But we will work together, we have a determination to work together to find a solution and that will happen hopefully today.”

First Minister Arlene Foster

One of the parties on the Executive is the SDLP with their leader, Colum Eastwood, saying they support a plan by the Department of Health to extend the current Covid-19 restrictions for 14 days to reduce the possibility of a further intervention in the mouth of Christmas.

The SDLP Leader urged other parties in the Executive to “show leadership” and provide certainty for communities, businesses and health care staff

“The SDLP has been clear, if the medical and scientific evidence shows that the only way to reduce the possibility of further restrictions in the mouth of Christmas is to extend the current restrictions, then we support the extension for another 14 days provided financial support is given to businesses affected," Mr Eastwood said.

Colum Eastwood

“The SDLP is clear, not only must we act to protect lives but we also must protect livelihoods. If we do not extend the current restrictions, we risk causing disruption to business during their busiest time at Christmas.

“This is an incredibly tough decision, we recognise that there are no easy answers but there has to be a decision taken. Families and businesses cannot be left in limbo - if others will not support the health recommendation, then they need to bring forward their plans for the way forward, supported by medical and scientific evidence, and they need to do it today.

“This is a time for leadership, businesses need certainty and clarity. The SDLP is being upfront and honest. We want a decision taken today and clear communication to the public.

“Action is required now to get us through the next few weeks. For the SDLP safeguarding the Christmas period is our aim for our businesses, for our nurses and doctors and for families who so desperately need to see their loved ones. We need to look beyond short term decision making and ensure we achieve a safe Christmas by driving down Covid-19 now.”

MLA Kellie Armstrong also says it's vital that ministers reach a clear decision, and remain cautious about any relaxations. 

''We can't have confusion, mixed messaging or division at this time - we need leadership,'' she added. 

One of the options being considered is to allow cafes to open but not licensed premises. 

It is understood businesses such as hairdressers and beauticians may open with certain restrictions staying in place.

Opening restaurants but preventing them from selling alcohol was considered as a way forward. 

However, such a move is now in doubt as it is understood discussions last night acknowledged concerns raised by the hospitality sector.

Extensive talks on Monday failed to produce an outcome, with ministers at odds on whether to extend some or all of the measures for a further two weeks.

The Executive initially adjourned the meeting on Monday morning to seek further data on the likely impact of easing some restrictions.

They reconvened in the early evening for further talks. A breakthrough did not materialise, with ministers set talks later.

My message to the Executive and business - we need a circus breaker not a circuit breaker pic.twitter.com/okhlxvrg6J

— Jim Allister (@JimAllister) November 10, 2020

The hospitality sector has urged Ministers to come forward with clarity on whether the circuit breaker restrictions will come to an end on Friday.

John Lawson from the Head O' The Road pub near Portadown says his business has survived World War Two, the Troubles and recessions but is now concerned that the indecisiveness of politicians may mean they will no longer be able to surivive.

,Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard said his party supported the resumption of close contact services but believed the restrictions on the hospitality sector should be extended.

Mr Hazzard said it would be reckless to throw away progress in reducing infection rates.

“I think there is a case to be made when it comes to close contact services, you could look at relaxations,” he told BBC Radio Ulster.

“But I think on the whole it’s important we find a way forward now that sees us through to the new year and, to me, that means restrictions must stay in place for another two weeks.”

In a clear indication of the strength of opposition among some DUP members to extending restrictions on businesses, party MLA Paul Frew accused the Executive of committing an “act of vandalism” on the economy.

Mr Frew, who also criticised the introduction of the circuit-break last month, branded the actions of the administration, particularly the delay in providing clarity to businesses, a “shame, disgrace and farce”.

Paul Frew

“We have businesses, owners asking do I bring my supply chain in, do I order all that food, do I fill my freezer,” he told MLAs.

“This is unbelievable. This is a tremendously harsh time for business and yet this Executive is causing an act of vandalism to those businesses.

“It is an act of vandalism to not be able to tell a business on the Tuesday that they can open up for sure on the Friday, that they can fill their fridges and freezers, they can bring in their stock and they can pay their supply line.

“All these businesses have no idea. That’s no way to run a business. But it’s no way to run an Executive. It is an absolute disgrace, it is an absolute farce that we are letting so many people down.”