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20/03/2013
Sinn Fein Fail To Amend Special Advisers Bill
A bill designed to block former prisoners with serious offences from taking up posts as special advisors at Stormont has passed its consideration stage.
Sinn Fein failed in its attempt to amend the bill, they had hoped to introduce special measures for prisoners with conflict related offences.
The bill was brought forward by TUV’s Jim Allister, following the appointment of ex-prisoner Mary McArdle as special advisor to the culture minister.
Ms McArdle had been convicted for her part in the 1984 murder of judge's daughter Mary Travers - and the victim's sister, Ann, protested publicly about the appointment.
Ms McArdle subsequently took up a different post in Sinn Fein.
The bill seeks to ban anyone who has been sentenced to more than five years in prison from taking up the posts in future.
(H)
Sinn Fein failed in its attempt to amend the bill, they had hoped to introduce special measures for prisoners with conflict related offences.
The bill was brought forward by TUV’s Jim Allister, following the appointment of ex-prisoner Mary McArdle as special advisor to the culture minister.
Ms McArdle had been convicted for her part in the 1984 murder of judge's daughter Mary Travers - and the victim's sister, Ann, protested publicly about the appointment.
Ms McArdle subsequently took up a different post in Sinn Fein.
The bill seeks to ban anyone who has been sentenced to more than five years in prison from taking up the posts in future.
(H)
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