SINN FÉIN and the DUP were yesterday urged to end their stand-off so that the Northern Executive and Assembly can address issues such as sharp rises in the cost of electricity and gas in Northern Ireland.
The calls came after Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) said that from next month electricity prices will rise by one-third. Phoenix Gas prices will rise next month by almost one-fifth (19.2 per cent).
The NIE rise follows on increases of 14 per cent in July. Four months ago Phoenix Gas increased charges by 28 per cent. Almost £150 (€188) will be added to electricity bills, bringing annual household electricity costs to £585 in Northern Ireland, which is comparable to prices in the South although a significant increase in electricity charges is expected in the Republic in January.
The increase in energy bills comes against the backdrop of political deadlock between Sinn Féin and the DUP on a range of issues - principally the transfer of policing and justice powers to the Northern Executive. Sinn Féin has used its veto to block meetings of the Executive since mid-June until these issues are settled.
British prime minister Gordon Brown is due in Northern Ireland next Tuesday to urge a resolution.
Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann said, "one of the key priorities of the Executive in the coming term is to tackle poverty and disadvantage".
DUP Assembly member Jim Wells said the Assembly and Executive had a role to play in helping the community cope "during these difficult times".
