Lack of NI Executive representation at economic summit "deeply frustrating", says NI Secretary amid Drumcree political row

The Northern Ireland Secretary says its "deeply frustrating" that the Stormont Executive wont be represented at an Economic Summit with the Prime Minister and other devolved leaders in Glasgow later.

As the political row over Drumcree intensifies the DUP has decided to block joint engagements with Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O'Neill, but has stopped short of collapsing the power sharing executive.

DUP Leader Gavin Robinson said in a press conference at Stormont yesterday "Michelle O'Neill's arrogance will have consequences for her".

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has described his comments as "arrogant and supremacist" and is describing the DUP move as a " reactive stunt, driven by the DUP's own internal pressures and electoral problems".

DUP party officers met yesterday, with some members at odds over how to handle souring relations with Sinn Fein. It comes after some Sinn Fein representatives attended Garvaghy Road protests that prevented an Orange Order march from going ahead down the mainly nationalist road in Portadown. Some Sinn Fein representatives have since attended voluntary police interviews in connection with the demonstrations.

Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant said, "It is deeply frustrating that the NI executive will not be represented at the important meeting on economic growth with the PM. I understand feelings are running high but it must be in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland that everyone gets round the table."