O’Neill cannot be separated from First Minister’s responsibilities, says Swinney

John Swinney met with leaders of pro-independence parties on Monday (Ben Birchall/PA) - (PA Wire)

Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill cannot be separated from the responsibilities of Northern Ireland’s First Minister, John Swinney has said.

Scotland’s First Minister said claims to the contrary are a “false argument”, as he was asked about the DUP’s criticism of Monday’s meeting of pro-independence parties.