Arlene Foster has called for the urgent restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly after opposition parties walked out en masse ahead of a no-confidence vote. The first minister expressed regret over a renewable energy scheme that could cost taxpayers up to £400m, describing the failure to cap payments as the biggest regret of her political career.
The SDLP tabled a motion of no confidence in Foster over the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. All main opposition parties backed the motion, which could bring down the power-sharing executive if Sinn Féin supports it, triggering fresh elections in the new year.
Opposition members objected to Foster making a statement without the backing of deputy first minister Martin McGuinness. After the walkout, proceedings were suspended for half an hour. When they resumed, only DUP members were present as Foster read a 15-page statement.
Foster said she had no role in the scheme after moving from enterprise minister to finance minister in May 2015. She supported an independent public inquiry, stating: 'My priority is to ensure lessons learned and reduce projected cost. I am not immune to considerable anger and indeed feel it too.'
McGuinness repeated his suggestion that Foster should step down temporarily to allow for an independent investigation, saying her statement lacked his authority as deputy first minister. The scheme, set up in 2012 to encourage renewable energy use, faced criticism for inflated incentives and alleged abuse, with one farmer reportedly making £1m from an empty shed.
