The Independent candidate in Lagan Valley, Gary Hynds, has launched a stinging attack on his former party over their handling of the hated Protocol.
Mr Hynds said: “Supporters such as Alliance, and a few others, extol the Protocol as if it has magic economic properties capable of benefiting the Northern Ireland economy. The opposite is the truth.
“We’ve learned that more than 200 companies on the mainland have withdrawn from the Northern Ireland market. EU-imposed checks, red tape Customs paperwork and additional costs are costing us dearly.
“We can’t get a host a lengthening list of products. Supermarkets are struggling to source and get products delivered. Small suppliers have given up. “Whether you backed the Protocol and Brexit or opposed it, one thing is beyond doubt: we’re all the losers. The Protocol is failing us.
“Brussels is dragging its feet. The Conservative Government is doing next to nothing to deliver Northern Ireland from this bureaucratic and constitutional stranglehold. Dublin isn’t a good neighbour by supporting Brussels and turning a blind eye to our plight.
“All of them are failing to recognise the damage the Protocol is doing to Northern Ireland’s position within the Union. All sides need to re-focus their efforts and end the politicking and instead move into problem-solving mode.”