Unionist parties refuse to confirm support for Sinn Féin First Minister

UUP leader Doug Beattie said he will not discuss his tactics seven months before an election (Brian Lawless/PA)

Representatives of Northern Ireland’s two main unionist parties have refused to confirm whether they would support a Sinn Féin First Minister if the republican party was to become the biggest at Stormont.

Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said his party is aiming to take the position of First Minister, while DUP MP Sammy Wilson said he would not answer hypothetical questions.