DUP leader Gavin Robinson ‘very sorry’ Carla Lockhart has quit the party

Gavin Robinson, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has expressed regret following the departure of MP Carla Lockhart from the party. Lockhart, who represents Upper Bann, resigned on Monday due to her dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of the Drumcree parading dispute. Despite her exit, Robinson refrained from criticizing her decision and conveyed his hope that they might collaborate again in the future.

Lockhart had publicly advocated for the DUP to withdraw the deputy first minister of Stormont as a tactic aimed at removing Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill and thereby disrupting their joint governance. Robinson clarified that the difference between him and Lockhart was one of approach rather than principle. He emphasized that while they shared the same feelings about the situation, they did not agree on the method for addressing it.

The background to this tension involves O’Neill and other senior Sinn Féin members being questioned by police in connection with demonstrations on Garvaghy Road. Unionists have accused Sinn Féin of unlawful conduct regarding those protests. In response, last week the DUP, which forms part of Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government alongside Sinn Féin, announced it would refuse to participate in official engagements involving O’Neill.

During an appearance on the Good Morning Ulster programme, Robinson acknowledged the anger within the party concerning O’Neill’s alleged breach of legal and ethical obligations. However, he noted, “The Democratic Unionist Party is firmly of the view that it is Michelle O’Neill who should face the consequences of her actions, not the rest of the people of Northern Ireland.” He stressed the importance of maintaining a functioning government and securing a budget, and mentioned ongoing discussions scheduled with the secretary of state. Robinson further expressed his belief that the government should introduce a sanctions regime to hold accountable those who violate the pledge of office