NI politicians react to General Election announcement
Northern Ireland's politicians have been reacting to the news that there could be a general election on 8 June.
Last updated 18th Apr 2017
The Prime Minister Theresa May called for an election to be held to give her a strong position for Brexit negotiations.
DUP leader Arlene Foster said that her party would continue to fight for their constituents.
"The Prime Minister’s decision to go to Parliament to seek a General Election on 8th June provides the people of Northern Ireland with the opportunity to vote for the Union," she said.
"The Democratic Unionist Party has been a strong voice for Northern Ireland at Westminster and we have used the mandate given to us to ensure the interests of Northern Ireland are to the fore.
"The forthcoming election will be an opportunity for unionists to unite around a strong Democratic Unionist Party that will advocate for them in Parliament."
Meanwhile Sinn Féin's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill said it gave them an opportunity to show their disregard for Tory policies.
“Sinn Féin opposed Brexit because it will be disastrous for the people of Ireland, our economy and our public services," she said.
"The people of the North clearly voted to see their future in the European Union in the referendum last June. We have been blatantly ignored by Theresa May since.
“The Tory Party’s reckless Brexit agenda offers nothing to the people of the North who are being dragged out of the EU against our will.
“The Tory party and their polices have been rejected by the people in the north in the past, and will be again in this election.
"Sinn Féin is ready to contest this election and it will be an opportunity for voters to oppose Brexit and reject Tory cuts and austerity.
“It is an opportunity to progress designated status for the North within the EU and for a future based on equality, respect, integrity and unity.”
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood criticised the timing of the announcement, in the midst of the Stormont talks.
"It tells you all you need to know about Theresa May that she would call a snap Westminster election in the middle of intense efforts to restore power sharing government to Northern Ireland," he said.
"From the beginning of her tenure as British Prime Minister she has shown very little but disinterest and disdain for this place.
“As Theresa May seeks a mandate for a hard Brexit from an English electorate, people here have an opportunity to unite behind parties which have defended their will and sought to protect our values.
“England may want to isolate itself from Europe and the world. But people in Northern Ireland and Scotland made a different choice.
"A choice that cannot be fulfilled through a hard Brexit. We now have an opportunity to strengthen the mandate of parties which campaigned against and consistently voted against Brexit at Westminster.
“I know people are suffering from electoral fatigue. But this is not a time to sit on the sidelines. This is a moment to unite to deliver a strong message to Theresa May and the Brexiteers. Our voice will be heard.”
Meanwhile the UUP's new leader Robin Swann said it was very clear what the priority was for the elections.
"This elections will be about strengthening the United Kingdom's hand in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations," he said.
"NI needs strong representation in Westminster now more than ever, arguing the best case for Northern Ireland.
"Tom Elliott and Danny Kinnehan have proven that Ulster Unionist MPs can be that positive, pragmatic voice for Northern Ireland.
"Following the March election I would encourage everyone to ensure they are registered to vote and that if necessary secure postal and proxy votes for the 8th of June to ensure their voice is heard at the ballot box."