19/07/2018
Ian Paisley Apologises Over Breaching Parliamentary Rules
DUP MP Ian Paisley has issued an emotional apology after he breached parliamentary rules.
Political parties are urging him to step down after he failed to register two family holidays which were funded by the Sri Lankan government in 2013.
He faces the prospect of a 30 day suspension from the House of Commons.
Speaking in the Commons he said it was with "profound personal regret and deep personal embarrassment" that he had to make a statement.
He also denied any "ulterior motive" and said it was a "genuine mistake".
He continued: "I take my duties as a Member of Parliament seriously.
"I believe I conduct myself with colleagues with integrity, with openness, and that is why I have such remorse about the matter as I believe it goes against the grain of who I am – especially how it is portrayed.
"It is to my constituents, who have sent me here since 2010, that I make the profoundest of all apologies.
"They have honoured me with unwavering support to be their voice and I hope they will continue to have that confidence in me in the future."
The recommendation to suspend Mr Paisley will now go before the House of Commons next Tuesday, 24 July, for approval, in the form of a motion.
If approved Mr Paisley's suspension will begin on 04 September.
The sanction could see Mr Paisley face a by-election.
(CD)
Political parties are urging him to step down after he failed to register two family holidays which were funded by the Sri Lankan government in 2013.
He faces the prospect of a 30 day suspension from the House of Commons.
Speaking in the Commons he said it was with "profound personal regret and deep personal embarrassment" that he had to make a statement.
He also denied any "ulterior motive" and said it was a "genuine mistake".
He continued: "I take my duties as a Member of Parliament seriously.
"I believe I conduct myself with colleagues with integrity, with openness, and that is why I have such remorse about the matter as I believe it goes against the grain of who I am – especially how it is portrayed.
"It is to my constituents, who have sent me here since 2010, that I make the profoundest of all apologies.
"They have honoured me with unwavering support to be their voice and I hope they will continue to have that confidence in me in the future."
The recommendation to suspend Mr Paisley will now go before the House of Commons next Tuesday, 24 July, for approval, in the form of a motion.
If approved Mr Paisley's suspension will begin on 04 September.
The sanction could see Mr Paisley face a by-election.
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 July 2018
Ian Paisley Faces Suspension From House Of Commons
DUP MP Ian Paisley faces a 30-day suspension from the House of Commons for breaching parliamentary rules. Mr Paisley failed to declare the details of two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government in 2013.
Ian Paisley Faces Suspension From House Of Commons
DUP MP Ian Paisley faces a 30-day suspension from the House of Commons for breaching parliamentary rules. Mr Paisley failed to declare the details of two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government in 2013.
24 July 2018
MPs To Decide Over Ian Paisley Suspension
MPs are to decide later if the DUP's Ian Paisley should be suspended from the House of Commons for breaching parliamentary rules at Westminster. The MP is facing a 30-day suspension after he failed to declare two holidays paid for by the Sri Lanken government, estimated to be worth around £50,000.
MPs To Decide Over Ian Paisley Suspension
MPs are to decide later if the DUP's Ian Paisley should be suspended from the House of Commons for breaching parliamentary rules at Westminster. The MP is facing a 30-day suspension after he failed to declare two holidays paid for by the Sri Lanken government, estimated to be worth around £50,000.
07 February 2008
Paisley Jnr Defends 'Three Paycheck' Controversy
The Assembly Junior Minister, MLA, and Assistant to Paisley Snr at Westminster, Ian Paisley Jnr, has spoken out in defence of his present 'triple whammy' of government offices.
Paisley Jnr Defends 'Three Paycheck' Controversy
The Assembly Junior Minister, MLA, and Assistant to Paisley Snr at Westminster, Ian Paisley Jnr, has spoken out in defence of his present 'triple whammy' of government offices.
20 August 2018
Paisley Won't Resign And Will Fight Any By-Election
Suspended MP Ian Paisley has said that he will not resign his position as he does not believe he has done anything wrong. Mr Paisley was suspended from the House of Commons in July after it was found that he had failed to declare three family holidays that had been paid for by the Sri Lankan government.
Paisley Won't Resign And Will Fight Any By-Election
Suspended MP Ian Paisley has said that he will not resign his position as he does not believe he has done anything wrong. Mr Paisley was suspended from the House of Commons in July after it was found that he had failed to declare three family holidays that had been paid for by the Sri Lankan government.
24 July 2018
Ian Paisley Suspended From House Of Commons
DUP MP Ian Paisley is to be suspended from the House of Commons for 30 sitting days. MPs voted to suspend Mr Paisley after he failed to declare two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government. His absence is expected to last until October and he will not receive a salary for a month.
Ian Paisley Suspended From House Of Commons
DUP MP Ian Paisley is to be suspended from the House of Commons for 30 sitting days. MPs voted to suspend Mr Paisley after he failed to declare two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government. His absence is expected to last until October and he will not receive a salary for a month.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.