DUP Newry and Armagh MLA Gareth Wilson has criticised a Fine Gael initiative on Northern Ireland's future, describing it as a five-month exercise that has resulted in a forum, a junior minister and a commitment to further discussion.

Wilson said the plan has nothing to do with the people of Northern Ireland and amounts to a competition in Dublin to appear most supportive of Irish nationalist interests.

He stated that Northern Ireland's position within the United Kingdom depends on the consent of its residents, a principle he said Fine Gael has endorsed.

Wilson argued that no forum, secretariat or five-year talking process in Dublin can alter that constitutional position.

He called on the Irish government to be honest about its role in the past before planning for the future, saying families in Newry and Armagh are still awaiting answers regarding actions by terrorists who used the border as a shield.

Wilson added that the Irish state has never faced the level of scrutiny it demands of the UK.

He said unionists will engage as good neighbours on improving relations but will not participate in any process designed to dismantle the Union.

He concluded that Northern Ireland has moved on and urged Dublin to catch up.