The Derry Chamber President insists that parties at Stormont need to form a new executive if there is to be stability in the North West.
Aidan O'Kane said there were 'several outstanding commitments' that needed to be delivered in the city but without the restoration of an Executive that would not be possible.
However, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said that he will not lead his party back into powersharing until issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol are resolved.
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It comes as Sinn Fein's vice president Michelle O’Neill said that the DUP and British Government must accept and respect the democratic result of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections - a result that left Sinn Fein as the largest party.
The latest comments from the DUP leader suggest that the prospects of any quick return of the devolved powersharing Executive at Stormont are diminishing.
MLAs returned to Parliament Buildings yesterday (May 9) and party leaders were also holding separate meetings with Secretary of State Brandon Lewis.
Mr O'Kane said there was a "moral and democratic imperative" on the Stormont to form an executive in the coming days.
He said: “Congratulations to all MLAs who were successfully elected in the North West across Foyle, East Londonderry, and West Tyrone, and to all 90 MLAs across Northern Ireland.
"The electorate have voted for stability, delivery, and political leadership.
"It’s time for our new MLAs to deliver this stability and leadership and form an Executive as quickly as possible. While a period of negotiation is to be expected as parties begin to shape the next Programme for Government, these negotiations should be entered into in good faith, with the express intention to get back into government as swiftly as possible.
“Businesses and households are struggling under the pressure of an unprecedented cost of living and cost of doing business crisis. Small businesses are only just getting back on their feet after the severe impact of the pandemic.
"There are several outstanding commitments to the North West which must be delivered on, everything from infrastructural improvements to expansion of our local university.
"There is now a moral and democratic imperative on all parties to create a stable and functioning Executive in the coming days and weeks.”
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