Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald stated at the party's annual Ard Fheis last week that the A5 road upgrade will save lives and that halting it is unacceptable.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson accused Sinn Fein of contradicting its position on the project. Sinn Fein holds the Stormont infrastructure portfolio responsible for roads.

Robinson claimed Sinn Fein previously championed the A5 as a flagship initiative but now delays it due to rigid net zero targets, even when lives are at risk.

He referenced a recent accusation by Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill that the DUP was spoofing over Sinn Fein's support for the PSNI. Robinson said Sinn Fein is spoofing on the A5 issue.

Campaigners have pushed for the new road linking Londonderry and Aughnacloy in County Tyrone for years. The current road has recorded more than 50 deaths since 2006.

Progress on the scheme faces delays from legal challenges and funding uncertainty.

Robinson also stated Sinn Fein is renewing talk of a border poll in a familiar pattern.