DUP Man Ousted From Chamber

A Unionist Assemblyman was last night ordered from the debating chamber for refusing to withdraw remarks about the Education Minister.

Jonathan Bell, a DUP MLA for Strangford, (pictured) refuted comments that the Finance Minister Sammy Wilson had ever endorsed Caitriona Ruane's actions relating to prep schools in Northern Ireland.

The deputy Stormont speaker ordered Mr Bell off the premises on Monday when he declined to retract a statement claiming the Sinn Fein Minister had misled the Assembly.

Speaking today Mr Bell, who was selected to replace disgraced political Iris Robinson, said: "I am not interested in headlines or stunts and I am simply refuting an inaccurate claim against a colleague."

He accused Ms Ruane of attempting to "play party politics" with the issue.

Mr Bell said the report in question had been requested by the Department of Education and at no time was sanctioned or endorsed by the Finance Minister.

"Sammy Wilson has actually written to the Education Minister outlining his concerns about her actions on the prep schools issue," he said.

"At no point were the actions of the Education Minister ever endorsed or supported by the Minister of Finance and Personnel. Indeed, as well as conveying his opposition to these controversial plans in writing he voted along with a majority of Assembly Members in the chamber to oppose these proposals."

A review, backed by Minister Ruane, said the state should no longer subsidise prep schools, which are only accessible to parents in a position to pay fees.

The Assembly voted in favour of a motion to oppose the findings, but this does not restrict the Education Minister's endorsement.

(PR/GK)