DUP’s Jeffrey Donaldson criticised over Stormont boycott threat

The debate host Jim Fitzpatrick with (L-R) Naomi Long, Jeffrey Donaldson, Michelle O’Neill, Doug Beattie and Colum Eastwood. Photograph: Getty Images

The Democratic Unionist party is under mounting pressure to accept the result of Northern Ireland’s assembly election even if, as polls suggest, Sinn Féin emerges as the biggest party.

In a televised party leaders’ debate on Tuesday night, Jeffrey Donaldson faced criticism over his threat to paralyse the formation of a new executive at Stormont after the election on Thursday.