Commenting on the deep internal divisions inside the Democratic Unionist Party TUV vice-chair Keith Harbinson said:

“A deal which cannot even unite the DUP Assembly party – in spite of all the self-interest they have in keeping Stormont afloat – can never inspire confidence in the wider Unionist community.

“With 40% of the DUP’s MLAs opposed to the deal – including a number of MPs – and Sammy Wilson refusing to deny reports that resignations were offered yesterday this deal is clearly catastrophically bad for Unionism.

“Adams has openly stated that this is a “staging post” on the road to a United Ireland. Any Unionist, therefore, can see that that the devolution of policing and justice to a terrorist inclusive Stormont can never be in the best interests of the pro-Union people.”