The DUP has dragged unionism into the gutter, Robin Swann said.

The Ulster Unionist leader said the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) inquiry had shown how “shambolic” the last Executive was.

He claimed ministers had operated in a state of paranoia and self-interest.

He told his party conference in Armagh: “And then I reflect on how unionism has been dragged into the gutter by the DUP.

“And, Conference, I feel angry.”

He said the Executive remained in “deep-freeze” while Northern Ireland’s future outside the EU was decided by others.

“The RHI Inquiry provides a daily drip feed of just how shambolic the last Executive was, as the Inquiry goes into areas that the Public Accounts Committee could never have reached.

“Ministers who don`t read legislation, minute-taking cast aside and grubby politics.

“It`s not a political farce on television, but rather an insight into the inner workings of the Sinn Fein/DUP Executive who operated in a state of almost permanent paranoia and self-interest.”

Robin Swann said the Executive remained in ‘deep-freeze’ while Northern Ireland’s future outside the EU was decided by others (handout/UUP/PA).

He also criticised Sinn Fein and the Irish Government.

His attack on the DUP focused on the RHI inquiry into the massive overspend on the botched green energy scheme while the Democratic Unionists were in power.

“The irony is that when the DUP have the perfect opportunity to be at the fore of pan-UK unionism, their Ulster nationalism shines through. It’s grotesque.

“It’s as bad as holidaying at the expense of a foreign government or breaching Westminster rules against paid advocacy. It’s not good enough. For Northern Ireland, for unionism.

“It’s grim the DUP have created a situation where Sinn Fein, of all people, are able to call for integrity in government and gifted them the opportunity to pull down the institutions.”