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05/07/2013
DUP Blocks NIHE Enquiry
The DUP has submitted a petition of concern to block a Stormont enquiry into allegations of political interference in the Housing Executive.
All parties apart from the DUP had agreed to hold an enquiry following a BBC Spotlight programme which alleged Nelson McCausland's adviser Stephen Brimstone had pressurised DUP councillor and NIHE board member Jenny Palmer to change her vote at a meeting.
But the DUP has now tabled a petition of concern which would prevent the cross party-supported enquiry from taking place.
Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson said it was "important for the Assembly to unanimously support this motion to restore public confidence in the political process and show that we are treating these allegations seriously.
"I am very disappointed that the DUP have sought to block this motion. By doing so, they have shown a cavalier disregard for openness and transparency.
"Opposing an inquiry is in nobody's interests, including the DUP and Nelson McCausland. If the DUP have nothing to hide, why have they opposed an inquiry?"
The SDLP's Conal McDevitt Tweeted shortly after the decision: "The overwhelming majority of the @niassembly will reject Nelson McCausland on Monday, DUP petition of concern or not."
The Ulster Unionist Party's Sandra Overend tweeted: "Petition of Concern lodged by DUP for Monday motion re:Nelson McCausland ... Amazing !"
The Green Party also took to Twitter to comment on the move. It said: "Citizens of NI denied democracy & transparency again as DUP submt a petition of concern against motion looking at Spotlight allegations".
(IT/CD)
All parties apart from the DUP had agreed to hold an enquiry following a BBC Spotlight programme which alleged Nelson McCausland's adviser Stephen Brimstone had pressurised DUP councillor and NIHE board member Jenny Palmer to change her vote at a meeting.
But the DUP has now tabled a petition of concern which would prevent the cross party-supported enquiry from taking place.
Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson said it was "important for the Assembly to unanimously support this motion to restore public confidence in the political process and show that we are treating these allegations seriously.
"I am very disappointed that the DUP have sought to block this motion. By doing so, they have shown a cavalier disregard for openness and transparency.
"Opposing an inquiry is in nobody's interests, including the DUP and Nelson McCausland. If the DUP have nothing to hide, why have they opposed an inquiry?"
The SDLP's Conal McDevitt Tweeted shortly after the decision: "The overwhelming majority of the @niassembly will reject Nelson McCausland on Monday, DUP petition of concern or not."
The Ulster Unionist Party's Sandra Overend tweeted: "Petition of Concern lodged by DUP for Monday motion re:Nelson McCausland ... Amazing !"
The Green Party also took to Twitter to comment on the move. It said: "Citizens of NI denied democracy & transparency again as DUP submt a petition of concern against motion looking at Spotlight allegations".
(IT/CD)
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