THE STORMONT executive last night voted to extend coronavirus restrictions following a meeting marked by angry exchanges between ministers.
With four-weeks of restrictions set to end at midnight, the DUP, Ulster Unionists and Alliance backed a proposal from Economy Minister Diane Dodds.
Sinn Féin voted against the measures, which that mean hair and beauty salons, and unlicensed premises can reopen a week today, while the SDLP abstained.
Health Minister Robin Swann's support for extending restrictions for a further week means he voted against the chief medical officer's advice (CMO), which advocated a further fortnight of the 'circuit break' measures that have been in place since mid-October.
The Ulster Unionist minister, who last week tabled proposals that mirrored CMO Dr Michael McBride's recommendations, is understood have voted for the DUP motion to avoid all the regulations lapsing.
Ahead of the executive meeting, one of a series over four days, it emerged that the regulations which had been in place were due to expire at midnight tonight rather than last night as previously announced by Stormont.
The Department of Health clarified the legal position around the closure of hospitality businesses and close contact services after consultation with its solicitor's office.
It means businesses have been working to the wrong timeline around when the circuit-break would end.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “It is no secret that I wanted a different outcome from the Executive. However, the decision today is preferable to restrictions falling and all hospitality opening this weekend. I could not countenance the consequences of that happening."
And he added: “I appreciate the frustrations voiced publicly in recent days by members of the business community. I share many of them. To anyone in hospitality who is threatening to re-open in breach of the regulations, I would say think again. There are moral as well as legal obligations here – especially with regards to the safety of customers and staff.”
Speaking after the meeting, which is understood to have been marked by fractious exchanges between ministers, First Minister Arlene Foster characterised what emerged as a "compromise".
She said she believed there had been an agreement last weekend and that on Monday she had expected to make an announcement in the assembly.
"But these last four days – days I certainly didn't seek – the choice became the quick but wrong decision or actually fight and get us to a better and balanced decision," she said.
Mrs Dodds described the outcome as "balanced and proportionate".
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she did not accept the fresh measures were a “compromise” as they went against public health advice.
“We voted against this proposal as the medical advice has not changed. I accept this is the outcome of the executive meeting," she told he Irish News.
"I didn’t support this DUP proposal but I would never deploy a cross community veto in something that is a public health matter – this is about saving lives, this veto should never have been used during the week."
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described the executive's actions, which this week saw a series of meetings with no outcome and two DUP vetoes, as a "disgrace" and an "embarrassment".
“At a time of public crisis, the public need leadership not political bartering and pandering," he said.
“The SDLP made it absolutely clear inside and outside of the executive that we supported the health minister and the scientific and medical advice to extend the regulations for two weeks, provide enhanced financial assistance and to ensure a safe Christmas period for families and businesses."
Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken said an agreement which should have reached "over a week ago" is hardly a startling example of good and effective government.
“The lack of leadership from the Executive Office, the leaking and the briefing, as well as the use of cross-community voting within the executive on matters that are anything but, further reinforces our belief that the system of government here needs urgent reform," he said.
"The first duty of our executive should be the protection of our people, we would be hard-pressed to say that either the DUP or Sinn Féin have put that responsibility first this week – this has not been a good week for local democracy or for devolution."
The new measures include:
- Close contact services, including hairdressing, beauty treatments and driving lessons, resuming on November 20 by appointment only.
- Unlicensed premises, including cafes and coffee shops, reopening on November 20. Restricted opening hours to 8pm. No alcohol can be consumed in these premises.
- All other sections of hospitality that have been closed during the circuit-break will open on November 27.
- Pubs and bars permitted to sell sealed off-sales from November 20.
