Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has labelled the SDLP and Ulster Unionist Party the "problem parties" on the Northern Executive, amid concerns over whether a budget and programme for government can be achieved.
Recent weeks have seen a rift opening between the dominant DUP and Sinn Féin Ministers, and UUP and SDLP Ministers, over departmental funding, which is effectively controlled by DUP Finance Minister Peter Robinson.
Mr Robinson issued a barely veiled warning that the powersharing administration could collapse if there was no agreement on the budget and programme for government by the January target date . UUP and SDLP Ministers, however, have been digging in their heels, complaining of lack of funding for their departments. Both parties supported an Alliance amendment, which was defeated, complaining about the "limited vision" of the programme.
The DUP, challenging the developing UUP/SDLP opposition within the Executive, retorted that the Assembly was founded on a mandatory coalition, chiefly negotiated by the UUP and the SDLP. "The basis upon which any coalition government can move forward is on the basis of a programme for government," said Mr Robinson.
And he warned that "without an agreed programme for government, there cannot be government". Mr Robinson's upping of the political ante by warning of an actual threat to the Stormont administration angered the UUP and SDLP. The SDLP particularly complained that Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has been denied sufficient funding for housing, while UUP Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said health funding was grossly under-financed.
Mr Robinson contended that these parties were allocated reasonable and fair funding.
The tussle between the major and minor Executive parties continued yesterday inside and outside the Assembly chamber at Stormont, where the budget - due to be rubber-stamped in January - was debated.
Deputy First Minister Mr McGuinness made clear he supported the stance adopted by Mr Robinson. He accused the UUP and SDLP of now singing a "different tune" to when David Trimble was First Minister and Seamus Mallon, and later Mark Durkan, was Deputy First Minister. Then they warned that "ministers had a duty and a responsibility to deliver their parties", he said.
"I say this with great regret that it appears to be that the UUP and the SDLP are now becoming the problem parties in this Assembly," said Mr McGuinness.
The battle continued yesterday in the Assembly chamber while UUP and SDLP leaders, Sir Reg Empey and Mark Durkan, made a point of appearing on television and hosting a press conference together to express their opposition to the current funding allocation.
They denied they were breaking cabinet ranks, arguing that the budget and programme for government were still in draft, consultative form, and yet to be formally concluded.
Mr Durkan said Mr Robinson, First Minister Rev Ian Paisley and Mr McGuinness all needed to "calm down". Ministers had a duty to achieve proper accountability, he said.
