Gareth Wilson criticises Andrew Muir and Alliance MLAs over Assembly walkout during no-confidence debate

Newry and Armagh DUP MLA Gareth Wilson has criticised Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir and Alliance Party MLAs after they walked out of the Assembly chamber during a DUP motion of no confidence in the Minister.

The motion, debated at Stormont, focused on concerns raised by the DUP regarding the leadership and direction of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Mr Wilson said the debate provided an opportunity to highlight what he described as growing unease within the farming community over a range of issues, including the handling of the Nutrients Action Programme and the aftermath of events at Fivemiletown.

“Today’s motion reflected the deep and growing concerns within our farming community about the direction and leadership of DAERA under Andrew Muir,” he said.

“The shocking events at Fivemiletown, the Minister’s handling of the Nutrients Action Programme and a growing breakdown in confidence between DAERA and those who work our land cannot simply be brushed aside.”

The DUP representative accused the Minister and Alliance MLAs of failing to listen to concerns being voiced by farmers and others involved in the agriculture sector.

“Yet rather than remain in the Chamber and listen to those concerns, the Minister and his Alliance colleagues walked out in a tantrum,” Mr Wilson said.

“They chose pantomime politics over listening to farmers and those across Northern Ireland with genuine concerns about animal welfare.”

Mr Wilson argued that the walkout would do little to reassure those working within the agricultural industry at a time when many farmers are facing significant pressures and uncertainty.

He also criticised what he described as the response of Sinn Féin members during the debate, claiming the party failed to fully engage with the issues being raised.

“That display of Alliance arrogance will reinforce the view that this Minister and his party hold the farming community in contempt,” he said.

“Just as telling was Sinn Féin’s decision to empty their benches of all but a token presence. Farmers from a nationalist background should take note. When there was an opportunity to listen to their concerns and represent them, Sinn Féin could hardly be found.”

Concluding his remarks, Mr Wilson said the farming community deserved leadership that commands confidence and remains open to scrutiny and challenge in the Assembly chamber.

“Farmers deserve a Minister who listens, commands confidence and understands the enormous pressures facing the industry,” he said.

“Walking out when challenged does nothing to rebuild that confidence. It merely demonstrates how badly it has been lost.”

The no-confidence motion formed part of an ongoing political dispute over agricultural and environmental policy, with differing views among parties on the Minister’s performance and the direction of DAERA.