Burgess accuses Nesbitt ofbad grace

In a letter to the press, Mr Burgess, wrote: “It is a measure of how fatuous the Ulster Unionist Party has become when their doughty, ‘let battle begin’ leader Mike Nesbitt, can only welcome the appointment of Claire Sugden as Justice minister with some indecorous comment.

“How miserably imbecile and objectless has the UUP become over the past few years.”

Mike Nesbitt has faith in nothing but expediency, since receiving a vote of no confidence from the Ulster people, and dares to threaten this innovation in a fit of pique.

“No doubt as self appointed leader of the so called opposition, he will have many opportunities to display the crassness directed at Ms Sugden.

“In the meantime we can only assume that chivalry is a word with which the UUP are not familiar.”

Mr Nesbitt reminded the new Assembly of scathing comments Ms Sugden had made at the height of the political crisis during the last mandate.

She had said: “This house of cards is falling, and good will come of that only if the jokers at the top come crashing down too and do not get up again.”

Repeating her criticism before referring to her appointment as Justice Minister, Mr Nesbitt said: “Sounds like a great choice.”