MEPs criticise Stormont EU office

Northern Ireland has three MEPs

The Stormont executive has been criticised by two of Northern Ireland's MEPs.

Ulster Unionist Jim Nicholson and Jim Allister of the Traditional Unionist Voice told a committee that they have little contact with the office.

Mr Nicholson said they hardly ever saw an executive minister.

"My criticism is of OFMDFM in Belfast who have failed to offer any political direction when it comes to engaging with Europe," Mr Nicholson said.

They were appearing before the committee overseeing the office of the first and deputy first minister, responsible for the office in Brussels.

He said the relationship between the assembly and the MEPs was "now worse than it was under direct rule."

Mr Allister agreed, adding: "In my five years as MEP, very, very seldom have I ever received a briefing paper from the Northern Ireland Executive office on an issue going through Brussels, giving a specific Northern Ireland interest that needs to be protected."