Power-sharing at Stormont is hanging in the balance after First Minister Michelle O’Neill and other nationalist politicians joined protesters blocking a road to stop a controversial Orange Order march from passing.
And proceedings descended into farce as Ms O’Neill declined to appear before the Assembly to answer an urgent oral question on the Drumcree parading dispute.
Mr Brett accused Ms O’Neill of showing “utter contempt” for the people of Northern Ireland.
“Her arrogance knows no bounds,” he said.
DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who was in her seat in the chamber, said Ms O’Neill should be in the house to answer the question.
She added: “Just a few moments ago, I received an email from the First Minister’s office outlining that she is refusing to come to this house to answer the urgent question.
“I want to put on record that I am absolutely clear that the First Minister should come to this house, that the First Minister should not be running from scrutiny, running from legitimate questions that need to be asked about her behaviour and lawbreaking.”
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