“He has been a Minister since he was first elected as a Member of Parliament,” O’Neill said in a statement.
“This commitment has presented challenges at the district level and he has not spent enough time with his electorate and on issues that are close to his people.
“We are all elected as local Members first and foremost, and our districts and provinces require great attention for us to ensure improving levels of service delivery.
“I have not heard from the Minister, as a matter of protocol I expect he will be in contact soon to convey his intentions.
